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Definition of befall

befall

/bɪˈfɔːl/
be · fall
Past Simple:befell
•
Past Participle:befallen
•
Present Participle:befalling
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befall Lexical Profile

befall Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To happen to someone or something (especially of a misfortune, calamity, or bad luck).

Example

"The historians documented the terrible economic crisis that befell the region during the drought."

2

To come to pass or take place; to happen or occur.

Example

"The travelers promised to stay in touch no matter what might befall on their long journey."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

"Befall" is a formal or literary verb almost exclusively used when the subject is an unpleasant event, misfortune, or fate; additionally, it rarely takes the passive voice.

• Rhymes for befall

• Nearby Words

beet
beetle
beetroot
befall
befit
befitting
befittingly

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'befallan', meaning 'to fall, deprive of, or happen to', formed from the prefix 'be-' (around, upon) and 'feallan' (to fall).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Befall. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/befall
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