befell
bi-ˈfel 
bē-
; befallen
bi-ˈfȯ-lən
bē-
: to happen especially as if by fate
: 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
How a Mom's Horrifying Scheme to Poison Husband and Kids Was Revealed — Thanks to Her Pastor
Even more darkness befell the family the following June, when Diane’s daughter Sarah, then 24, was admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms that doctors diagnosed as organ failure.
—
Kc Baker, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Meaning, what fate befell each that precluded them from not even meriting mention in Rogue One?
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 25 Apr. 2025
That structure, along with other constitutional restraints, has enabled the United States to avoid many of the economic disasters that befell other countries.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
As the medical profession came to consider cocaine and morphine as equally dangerous, coca became associated with opium, and the public was led to believe that the ruinous effects of habitual opium use would inevitably befall those who regularly chewed coca leaves.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for befall
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.
Kc Baker, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Meaning, what fate befell each that precluded them from not even meriting mention in Rogue One?
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 25 Apr. 2025
That structure, along with other constitutional restraints, has enabled the United States to avoid many of the economic disasters that befell other countries.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
As the medical profession came to consider cocaine and morphine as equally dangerous, coca became associated with opium, and the public was led to believe that the ruinous effects of habitual opium use would inevitably befall those who regularly chewed coca leaves.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for befall
Cite this Entry
“Befall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befall. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share