befriend

[bɪˈfrend]

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'

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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.'