verb
- to happen to someone or something, especially something bad or unfortunate
Usage: formal; often used with negative events
Examples
- A terrible accident befell the family during their vacation.
- Whatever may befall us, we must stay strong.
- The same fate that befell the previous company could happen to us.
- She wondered what would befall her children if she were gone.
- Great misfortune befell the kingdom after the king’s death.
- No harm will befall you if you follow the safety rules.