betide

[ bih-tahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, be·tid·ed, be·tid·ing.

1. to happen to; come to; befall:

   Woe betide the villain!

verb (used without object)

, be·tid·ed, be·tid·ing.

1. to happen; come to pass:

   Whatever betides, maintain your courage.

betide

/ bɪˈtaɪd /

verb

1. to happen or happen to; befall (often in the phrase woe betide ( someone ))

Word History and Origins

Origin of betide¹

First recorded in 1125–75, betide is from the Middle English word betiden. See be-, tide ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of betide¹

C13: see be- , tide ²

Example Sentences

(and, of course, woe betide any who might venture the opinion that, hey, maybe not).

From The Daily Beast

Woe betide those on the losing side of a major political fight in most Arab states.

From The Daily Beast

If Gaddafi retains power in Libya, then woe betide those who have fought his rule.

From The Daily Beast

It may well betide that you shall come to beg upon your knees for this alliance with a man whom you tell me that you hate.

From Project Gutenberg

Her soul was numb, her courage seemed dead, and little care had she in that hour of what might betide her now.

From Project Gutenberg

But off the stage, woe betide us both, I should lose all my advantages.

From Project Gutenberg

He was always for bold attack, and would be ready on the morrow, we did not doubt, for whatever might betide.

From Project Gutenberg

The whirlies tracked about in a most irregular manner and woe betide any light object which came in their path.

From Project Gutenberg