Befell

/bɪˈfɛl/ verb

Happened to; occurred to someone, usually something unfortunate or significant.

From Old English 'befeallan' (to fall to, befall). Combines 'be-' (to make) and 'fallen' (to fall). Originally meant 'fell upon' someone, then broadened to mean 'happened to' in general.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb