Onset
ˈɒnset
Definitions
The beginning of something, typically an unpleasant or unwelcome event.
ˈɒnset
The beginning or start of something, often unpleasant.
The onset of the disease was sudden and unexpected.
💡 Simply: Imagine a movie: the 'onset' is the first scene! It's when something starts to happen, like when it starts to rain or when a sickness begins. For example, think about the beginning of a cold: the onset is when you first start feeling sick.
👶 For kids: The beginning of something, like when a game starts or when it begins to rain.
More Examples
The onset of the storm caused widespread power outages.
The onset of the economic crisis led to massive job losses.
Early signs indicated the onset of a new era.
How It's Used
"The doctor noted the sudden onset of the illness."
"The onset of winter brought colder temperatures."
Synonyms
From Middle English onsett, from Old English onset(t) (n.) 'attack, beginning', from on (on) + set(t) (a past participle of settan 'to set').
The word 'onset' has been used since Middle English to describe the start or beginning of an action or event, originally in a military context.