befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend 

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

After befriending Mal, however, Evie finds a new path, growing into a successful and independent fashion designer. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

Indeed, the movie opens with Ed quizzing an older Greek man he’s befriended on the Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester, before berating him for confusing his Bottega Veneta loafers for Sebago. — CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Gu-cheon, who lacks Yang, is fearful of ggeomeoksali, but accidentally befriends one during his time in the palace. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026

Yes, many passengers on these upscale brief sailings enjoy a drink or two, but befriending a bartender isn’t the mission. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for befriend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend
• descend

Kids Definition

befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend 

: to become or act as a friend to