behoove
[bih-hoov](chiefly in impersonal use)
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verb (used with object), be·hooved, be·hoov·ing.
to be necessary or proper for, as for moral or ethical considerations; be incumbent on: It behooves the court to weigh evidence impartially.
to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.
verb (used without object), be·hooved, be·hoov·ing.
Archaic. to be needful, proper, or due: Perseverance is a quality that behooves in a scholar.
Origin of behoove
before 900; Middle English behoven, Old English behōfian to need (behōf behoof + -ian infinitive suffix)
Synonyms for behoove
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for behooved
Historical Examples of behooved
It behooved him now to reach Grant as soon as he could with his news.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
Indeed it behooved him to keep on good terms with his pupils.
The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.Washington Irving
Nights when they were abroad, it behooved men to stay under cover.
The Book of Hallowe'enRuth Edna Kelley
It behooved the living therefore to learn how to deal with ghosts.
FolkwaysWilliam Graham Sumner
The hornets were stirring then, and it behooved him to keep well away from their nest.
The DoomsmanVan Tassel Sutphen
behoove
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper