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Definition of befriend

befriend

/bɪˈfrɛnd/
be · friend
Past Simple:befriended
•
Past Participle:befriended
•
Present Participle:befriending
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befriend Lexical Profile

befriend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act as or become a friend to someone, especially when they are in need of help or companionship.

Example

"The older students made a special effort to befriend the newcomers on their first day of school."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for befriend

• Rhymes for befriend

• Nearby Words

before
beforehand
befoul
befriend
befriender
befuddle
befuddled

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the prefix 'be-' (meaning 'to act as' or 'to make') combined with the noun 'friend', coming from Old English 'freond'.

Cite this Entry

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