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

Aaliyah was Joe's first major target in Season 1, when the CIA Lioness program sent Marine Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira) undercover to befriend her and infiltrate her family. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

But by incorporating the recurring ghost of Richie, a thirteen-year-old inmate who befriends the children—Ward combines the Southern Gothic with a socio-realist tradition in a voice that is both visceral and intimate. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

On the line is Jay McGreevy, who owned a company that sold kitchen appliances and befriended Ditka and many star Chicago athletes through endorsements and rounds of golf at an exclusive country club. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, Doran’s inclusion of Nell (Sherry-Lee Watson), a gifted horse trainer of Aboriginal origins who befriends Sybylla, offers an alternate vision of female passion and defiance. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 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