set-aside

[ set-uh-sahyd ]

noun

1. something, as land or profits, set aside for a particular purpose.
2. a tract of federal lands set aside as a wildlife refuge, oil exploration site, etc.
3. a tract of farmland on which commercial crops or a specific crop will not be grown, as part of a federal plan to decrease production in order to maintain or increase prices.
4. a specified amount or percentage of an industry's production set aside, especially for government use:

   Ten percent of gasoline production is a set-aside for emergency use by the state.

5. a government contract awarded, as to a minority-owned business, without competitive bidding.

adjective

1. pertaining to or constituting a set-aside:

   set-aside provisions of the new law.

set aside

verb

1. to reserve for a special purpose; put to one side
2. to discard, dismiss, or quash

noun

1. 1. (in the European Union) a scheme in which a proportion of farmland is taken out of production in order to reduce surpluses or maintain or increase prices of a specific crop
   2. ( as modifier )

      set-aside land

Word History and Origins

Origin of set-aside¹

First recorded in 1940–45; noun, adj. use of verb phrase set aside

Example Sentences

When they were focused on defeating a common enemy — Democrats — Republicans were able to set aside their differences to get Trump over the electoral line.

From Salon

During the season, it is more of a challenge, but Friday nights and breakfast before home games are set aside for family time.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith has set aside two months at the top of next year to make a new record near Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

In the US, the firm has been sued by more than 62,000 people and at least $13bn has been paid out or set aside in response to the action.

From BBC

Under state laws designed to remedy a housing shortage, the city has to set aside land for the construction of 250,000 more homes than allowed through existing zoning rules.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• deny
• dismantle
• dismiss
• invalidate
• lift
• nullify
• quash
• remove
• renounce
• repeal
• rescind
• retract
• reverse
• vacate
• void
• withdraw