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

Jo's brother Jimmy said he "never imagined such a profound tragedy would ever befall our family".

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In her essay, Schlossberg acknowledged that her terminal illness adds to a string of tragedies that has befallen the famous political family.

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With head-scratching lyrics like, “Why should a land have so much meaning when dark times befall it? It’s just a land made of dirt and rock,” they confuse far more than they entertain.

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Ought she lie, and say some horrible fate had befallen her speech, thus rendering it unspeakable?

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“I hope no terrible fate has befallen her,” Penelope said, alarmed.

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Related Words

• ensue 
• materialize 
• transpire