betide

American  

[bih-tahyd] / bɪˈtaɪd /

verb (used with object)

betided, betiding

1. to happen to; come to; befall.

   Woe betide the villain!

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verb (used without object)

betided, betiding

1. to happen; come to pass.

   Whatever betides, maintain your courage.

betide British  

/ bɪˈtaɪd /

verb

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

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Etymology

Origin of betide

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

Explanation

When something betides you, it happens to you. Betide is a literary way of saying “happen,” like in this quote from Jane Austin’s Persuasion, “Woe betide him, and her too, when it comes to things of consequence….” This is an old-fashioned word for things happening, especially uncertain or negative things. This word often appears with woe as in "Woe betide all who date my sister!" Which means, basically, something bad will happen to you if you date her. If you say, "What will the new day betide?" it means, "What will happen tomorrow?" Betide means about the same thing as bechance and befall. We all want good things to betide us.

Example Sentences

Woe betide anyone who didn't meet Amorim's standards.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2025

A certain life was expected for you, and woe betide you if you went outside of that.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024

Woe betide the grounds passholder who shows up at the “wrong” entrance; you may be made to walk several blocks, though several on Monday attempted to argue with U.N. police.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2022

“Woe betide those who clapped him as a saint.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 20, 2019

Etymologically, “invective” is a cavalry charge, and when Cicero hit a gallop, woe betide whoever was in the way.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith