befall
verb (used without object)
to happen or occur.
have befallen
-
present perfectof befall.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Then—watch out—the parade of CEOs uber-bullish on their companies no matter what travesties have befallen them begins.
From Slate ● Feb. 19, 2024
The Mission gang unit has largely avoided the type of scandals that have befallen other gang units, despite being among the most active in terms of traffic stops.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2023
"If this was negligence… we demand accountability for the cases that have befallen our children," she said.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2022
Stan does some heavy lifting to move the needle on Lee from rock star caricature to a man rendered powerless by the circumstances that have befallen him, even if they are of his own creation.
From Salon ● Feb. 3, 2022
From the age of ten I’d check the Daily Prophet first thing every morning—certain some sort of tragedy would have befallen it—certain I wouldn’t get to go.
From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling
