Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

befell

verb
/bɪˈfɛl/
Definition
To happen to someone or something, especially something unfortunate or unexpected.
Examples
  • A terrible fate befell the village after the storm.
  • What befell her on that fateful night was a mystery.
  • Many challenges befell the young entrepreneur as he started his business.
Meaning
Befall means to occur or take place, often in a way that is harmful or undesirable. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts.
Synonyms
  • happen
  • occur
  • ensue
  • take place