Main Entry: be-

Function: prefix

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bi-, be-; akin to Old English bī by, near — more at by

1 : on : around : over <bedaub> <besmear>
2 : to a great or greater degree : thoroughly <befuddle> <berate>
3 : excessively : ostentatiously —in intensive verbs formed from simple verbs <bedeck> and in adjectives based on adjectives ending in -ed <beribboned>
4 : about : to : at : upon : against : across <bestride> <bespeak>
5 : make : cause to be : treat as <belittle> <befool> <befriend>
6 : call or dub especially excessively <bedoctor>
7 : affect, afflict, treat, provide, or cover with especially excessively <bedevil> <befog>