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.
Henry is quickly befriended by fellow outsider Patty Newby (Gabrielle Nevaeh), who tries to help him temper his horrific visions and convulsive fits of rage. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Lucia befriends young Josephine (Robyn Betteridge) and goes to her house for a playdate. Meg Walters, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025 From director Marc Webb and screenwriter Zach Dean, Day Drinker stars Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks, Knives Out 2) as a bartender on a private yacht who befriends an enigmatic, onboard guest (played by Depp). Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

befriend

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

More from Merriam-Webster on befriend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!