befriend

Everyday

1. To become a friend to someone, especially someone who is new, lonely or needs help. tree →
2. To make friends with an animal so it trusts you. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader a character is kind and reaching out to someone. In PSHE and online safety, a warning: strangers online may try to befriend children to trick them — tell a trusted adult. Phrases: «befriend a new pupil», «was befriended by».

Examples

• Maya befriended the new girl on her first day. tree →
• The lonely old man was befriended by a little dog. tree →
• We befriended a robin that came to our window every morning. tree →
• Be careful if a stranger online tries to befriend you. tree →
• He befriended a boy who sat alone at lunch. tree →
• The children befriended the shy horse with carrots. tree →
• In the story, the mouse befriends the lion. tree →
• "I was going to befriend you, and you repay me by trying to kill me. tree →

Note

Regular verb: befriended, befriending. It takes an object: you befriend someone (not «befriend with»). More formal and storybook-like than «make friends with». Opposite idea: to shun or ignore someone.