befriend Definition
act as a friend to someone by offering help or support.
Using befriend: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "befriend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was befriended by a kind-hearted woman who gave her food and shelter.
Example
He decided to befriend the new student and show him around the school.
Example
The organization aims to befriend and support elderly people who live alone.
befriend Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for befriend
- make friends with
- cultivate a friendship with
- take under one's wing
Antonyms for befriend
- alienate
- ignore
- shun
Phrases with befriend
befriend someone on social media
to add someone as a friend on a social media platform
Example
I decided to befriend her on Facebook after meeting her at the party.
befriend someone in need
to offer help or support to someone who is in a difficult situation
Example
The charity aims to befriend people in need and provide them with practical assistance.
befriend someone for life
to become close friends with someone and maintain the friendship for a long time
Example
We met at university and have been best friends ever since - we're befriended for life.
Origins of befriend
from be- + friend, equivalent to 'make a friend of'
Summary: befriend in Brief
'Befriend' [bɪˈfrend] means to act as a friend to someone by offering help or support. It can be used in various contexts, such as making friends with a new student or befriending someone in need. The verb is often used in combination with prepositions, such as 'befriend someone on social media,' or in phrases like 'befriend someone for life.'
