befall
verb/bɪˈfɔl/
Frequency rank: #16,922 most common English word
Meaning
(of something bad) to happen to someone or something.
Example sentence
Nobody could have predicted the tragedy that would befall the small village that winter.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 16,901–17,000
- allegroAt a fast, lively tempo (used as a musical direction).
- anaesthesiaA medically induced loss of sensation or consciousness, used to prevent pain during surgery.
- arrhythmiaan abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat
- bariuma soft, silvery-white metallic element used in medicine and industry.
- bauxiteA clay-like rock that is the primary ore used to produce aluminum.
- beheadTo cut off the head of a person or animal.
- bestsellersbooks or other products that have sold in very large numbers.
- biometricsthe measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints or voice patterns, used to identify individuals.
- bladedhaving a blade or blades; fitted with a sharp cutting edge.
- blindsidedSuddenly surprised or caught off guard by something unexpected.