befall

[bih-fawl]

verb (used without object)

befell, befallen, befalling. 

1. to happen or occur.

   Synonyms: chance, materialize, betide, ensue, bechance

2. Archaic.,  to come, as by right.

verb (used with object)

befell, befallen, befalling. 

1. to happen to, especially by chance or fate.

befall

/ bɪˈfɔːl /

verb

1. (intr) to take place; come to pass

2. (tr) to happen to

3. to be due, as by right

Word History and Origins

Origin of befall¹

before 900; Middle English befallen, Old English befeallan. See be-, fall (v.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of befall¹

Old English befeallan ; related to Old High German bifallan , Dutch bevallen ; see _be- , _fall

Example Sentences

Despite efforts to retain much of its historic character, the 14-year project proved controversial with one architectural expert branding the demolition "the greatest architectural crime to befall London in the 20th Century".

From BBC

Of course, the Epstein case itself is no longer “real,” but a plot device to keep viewers tuning in to see what befalls the protagonist, in the manner of someone being voted off the island.

From Salon

But plenty of times in recent weeks had they suffered the kind of fate that befell them Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

The world number 19 had no answer to the onslaught from Littler who avoided the fate that befell world number one Luke Humphries who was beaten in his opening match on Saturday.

From BBC

Clearly some mishap befell this crew, which was foolish enough to sign up for a Weyland-Yutani mission in the first place.

From Salon

Related Words

• ensue 
• materialize 
• transpire