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.
Robyn befriends a shapeshifter, a girl who is both wolf and human, in a story that incorporates modern storytelling with Irish folklore and inspired visual style. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 July 2025 Maxwell attempted to befriend some of the victims, taking them to the movies or shopping, according to the charges. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Guest relations executive Alexandra Gingell, whom Suzanne immediately befriended, gave us a tour. Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 This week's pet stories included incredible rescues of baby foxes and dogs, as well as unexpected animals befriending each other at an aquarium. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 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 6 Aug. 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
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