Simple Definition of befall

from our Learner's Dictionary

befall

verb

befalls; befell bɪˈfɛl How to pronounce befall (audio) ; befallen biˈfɑːlən How to pronounce befall (audio) ; befalling
formal, of something bad or unpleasant : to happen to (someone or something)
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.

Cite this Entry

“Befall.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/befall. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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