befall Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb become of; happen to
    betide; bechance.
    • He promised that no harm would befall her
    • What has become of my children?
  2. verb happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance
    happen; bechance.
    • It happens that today is my birthday
    • These things befell" (Santayana)

WordNet

Be*fall" transitive verb
Etymology
AS. befeallan; pref. be- + feallan to fall.
Wordforms
imperfect Befell ; past participle Befallen ; present participle & verbal noun Befalling
Definitions
  1. To happen to.
    I beseech your grace that I may know The worst that may befall me. Shak.
Be*fall" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To come to pass; to happen.
    I have revealed . . . the discord which befell. Milton.

Webster 1913