verb
betide
bih-TYD
Betide (verb) means to happen to someone or something; to befall, especially in warnings or predictions. Example: “Woe betide anyone who crosses her.”
verb
1
To happen to someone or something; to befall, especially in warnings or predictions.
"Woe betide anyone who crosses her."
How to use betide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for "happen to" or "befall," almost always seen today in the fixed phrase "woe betide."
When to use it
Archaic outside the set phrase "woe betide."
Common pairings
woe betide
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- betides
- Past tense
- betid, betided
- Archaic forms
- betidest, betideth, betidedst
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Woe _____ anyone who crosses her.
Etymology
From Middle English, built from "be-" plus an old verb "tide," meaning "to happen" — related to the noun "tide" in the sense of time or season.
Related words
Rhymes for betide
See all rhymes for betide →Frequently asked questions
What does “betide” mean?
The word “betide” means to happen to someone or something; to befall, especially in warnings or predictions. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for "happen to" or "befall," almost always seen today in the fixed phrase "woe betide.".
How do you pronounce “betide”?
“Betide” is pronounced bih-TYD (/bəˈtaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “betide” in a sentence?
Here is “betide” used in a sentence: “Woe betide anyone who crosses her.”
What part of speech is “betide”?
“Betide” is a verb.
Where does the word “betide” come from?
The word “betide” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, built from "be-" plus an old verb "tide," meaning "to happen" — related to the noun "tide" in the sense of time or season.
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