befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
befriended; befriending; befriends
Synonyms of befriendnext

transitive verb

: to become or act as a friend to
befriended the new student

Examples of befriend in a Sentence

He befriended the new student.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After meeting and befriending a single mother and her three daughters, Wildhorn begins to open up and regains his passion for writing. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025 Freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel befriended two Israeli soldiers in captivity, creating a support system that helped all of them endure the terrifying experience. CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025 Claude Helton, one of the first to see Melvin’s dead body, was also one of the first hustlers to befriend Melvin. Aliya S. King, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2025 Youssef Hafyane smiles and befriends new people as well as enjoying old friends. Kelly Wilkinson, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for befriend

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befriend was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

befriend

verb
be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
: to become or act as a friend to

More from Merriam-Webster on befriend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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