befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
befriended; befriending; befriends

transitive verb

: to become or act as a friend to
befriended the new student

Examples of befriend in a Sentence

He befriended the new student.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hardy will play Tori, the head cheerleader at Beverly High who befriends KJ (new cast member Nathaniel McIntyre), while Hill will portray Khalil’s (Antonio J. Bell) charming yet dangerous father. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 17 Dec. 2024 One boy, who had a severe disability, remarked how Isabel was one of the few people at school who befriended him. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 In addition to Bell, the film also stars Brianne Howey as a pregnant woman who befriends Lainy, and Lizze Broadway and Urzila Carlson as Lainy's hilariously obnoxious coworkers. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024 The conversation between Terenzio and coauthor Liz McNeil, who also serves as an editor-at-large at PEOPLE, was moderated by Gina Gershon, who befriended John after the two met through their involvement in Naked Angels, the downtown theater troupe. Liz McNeil, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for befriend 

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befriend was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near befriend

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

befriend

verb
be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
: to become or act as a friend to
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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