verb

befriend

bih-FREHND

Befriend (verb) means to become someone's friend, or to act in a friendly, supportive way toward them. Example: “The new student was quickly befriended by her classmates.”

verb

To become someone's friend, or to act in a friendly, supportive way toward them.

"The new student was quickly befriended by her classmates."

"A stray cat befriended him during his stay in the village."

How to use befriend

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make friends with someone, or to treat them kindly and supportively.

Common pairings

befriend a stranger befriend someone online quickly befriended

Word forms

befriended past tense, befriend plural, befriended plural, befriends singular, befriend singular, befriended singular, befriendest singular, befriendeth singular, befriendedst singular

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The new student was quickly _____ by her classmates.

Etymology

Built from be- (an old intensifying prefix) plus friend, so it literally means "to make into a friend."

Rhymes for befriend

fiend friend boyfriend girlfriend

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Frequently asked questions

What does “befriend” mean?

The word “befriend” means to become someone's friend, or to act in a friendly, supportive way toward them. In plain terms, to make friends with someone, or to treat them kindly and supportively.

How do you pronounce “befriend”?

“Befriend” is pronounced bih-FREHND (/bəˈfɹɛnd/ in IPA).

How do you use “befriend” in a sentence?

Here is “befriend” used in a sentence: “The new student was quickly befriended by her classmates.”

What part of speech is “befriend”?

“Befriend” is a verb.