befriend

verb

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

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.
While the Moon is befriending Stella and deadheading begonias, however, its absence from the sky is causing real problems around the world, disrupting the tides and destabilizing the rotation of the Earth. Caroline Carlson june 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025 Ian Holloway painted portraits, Tony Pulis studied Napoleon and Thomas Tuchel befriended an 80-year-old swimmer who encouraged him to visit art galleries. Stuart James, New York Times, 29 June 2025 The plucky teen son of the chief, a boy named Hiccup (played by Mason Thames), befriends a sleek black dragon named Toothless and learns that fighting the beasts isn’t the only answer. David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 Before his father shut down the idea of taking a loan and expanding business, Will befriended Ryan (Ryan Farrell), who works at tire manufacturer and supplier True Threads and tried to strike a deal. Caroline Blair, People.com, 11 June 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 15 Jul. 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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