Want to say befriend differently? Here are other words for befriend and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of befriend
The primary meaning of the word "befriend" is to become or act as a friend to someone.
Etymology of befriend
The word "befriend" originated in the 15th century from the Old English words "be" meaning "to be" and "frīend" meaning "friend"
Historically, the word was used to describe the act of making someone a friend or becoming friends with someone
Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to friendship and kindness
Synonyms
befriend
associate
ally
affiliate
connect
link
unite
join
bond
attach
stick
cleave
cling
adhere
cohere
fraternize
socialize
mingle
consort
hobnob
rub shoulders
make friends
get acquainted
get to know
become familiar
take up with
team up
partner
collaborate
cooperate
conspire
league
combine
merge
integrate
amalgamate
fuse
blend
commingle
intermingle
associate with
keep company
companion
accompany
attend
escort
chaperone
sponsor
patronize
support
back
uphold
advocate
friend
buddy
pal
mate
companion
confidant
intimate
familiar
acquaintance
associate
connection
contact
link
tie
relationship
alliance
partnership
union
coalition
federation
confederation
amalgam
merger
combination
integration
fusion
blend
mixture
medley
assortment
conglomeration
aggregation
collection
assemblage
gathering
confluence
concourse
Definitions
- To become or act as a friend to someone
- To show kindness or friendship to someone
- To make someone a friend or to become friends with someone
Usage Examples
- The charity aims to befriend and support vulnerable members of the community
- She befriended a fellow student on her first day of school
- The organization works to befriend and rehabilitate former prisoners
- The new employee was befriended by her colleagues and quickly settled into the team
Antonyms
alienate
estrange
antagonize
oppose
resist
repel
reject
spurn
shun
avoid
evade
snub
ignore
neglect
abandon
desert
forsake
leave
quit
relinquish
surrender
betray
deceive
dupe
cheat
double-cross
harm
hurt
injure
maltreat
mistreat
abuse
torment
persecute
harass
bother
pester
annoy
irritate
vex
exasperate
infuriate
enrage
antagonize
confront
defy
challenge
dispute
disagree
contradict
deny
refute
oppose
withstand
resist
fight
combat
contend
struggle
clash
collide