befall

verb

be·​fall bi-ˈfȯl How to pronounce befall (audio)
bē-
befell bi-ˈfel How to pronounce befall (audio)
bē-
; befallen bi-ˈfȯ-lən How to pronounce befall (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of befallnext

intransitive verb

: to happen especially as if by fate

transitive verb

: to happen to
the fate that befell them

Examples of befall in a Sentence

It's sad to think of the unhappy fate that befell him. The drought was only one of many hardships to befall the small country.
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.
Christian Morris, an attorney for the family, said the family never imagined harm could befall their child while using Roblox. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 With the murky rights issues that have befallen many ’90s indies cleared up, the film is ready to be rediscovered by a new generation. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Despite growing up with the warnings of skin cancer, Gen Z is falling for the tanning craze that befalls most generations. Sam Woodward, USA Today, 12 June 2026 The incident wasn’t the first to befall the famed banana. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for befall

Word History

Etymology

Middle English befallen, going back to Old English befeallan (parallel to Old High German bifallan "to fall"), from be- be- + feallan "to fall entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of befall was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befall. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

befall

verb
be·​fall bi-ˈfȯl How to pronounce befall (audio)
befell -ˈfel How to pronounce befall (audio) ; befallen -ˈfȯ-lən How to pronounce befall (audio) ; befalling
1
: to take place : happen
2
: to happen to

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