befall

[ bih-fawl ]

verb (used without object)

, be·fell, be·fall·en, be·fall·ing.

1. to happen or occur.

   Synonyms: chance, materialize, betide, ensue, bechance

2. Archaic. to come, as by right.

verb (used with object)

, be·fell, be·fall·en, be·fall·ing.

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. intrusually foll byto 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

In Hershey, I remember the feeling like someone was dribbling ice water down my back: This was a crowd gleeful about the harm that could befall me and my friends.

From Slate

With his book “Brothers,” Alex has written an elegy to Eddie, and their complex dynamic that was tested by drug abuse, power trips and all the other common traps that befall megastars who once shared the same bedroom.

From Los Angeles Times

The apparent assassination plot is the second such incident to befall Trump this year.

From Salon

Thus, Kripke needed something “apocalyptic” to befall the characters.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s got to be hot sex — that’s what makes people do crazy, dangerous things. You can stay home alone in your room with your cats, and none of this will ever befall you — but if you step out and go into that world, you’re going to have to deal with those consequences. But it’s worth the risk. That’s the point of the movie: Still do that, err on that side, even if there’ll be a little body count at the end of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ensue
• materialize
• transpire