This verb means that something, usually bad, happens to someone. It is often used for accidents, problems, or bad events that affect people or things.
Trouble can befall any person at any time.
Bad luck will befall those who are careless.
This meaning is used when events or actions happen, usually naturally or by chance. It can apply to things, places, or times, not just people.
A strange event may befall this town.
Many changes befall the seasons every year.
This use means that bad things happen to someone or something because of their actions or fate. It usually means trouble or bad effects come unexpectedly.
Misfortune will befall those who are careless.
A curse might befall the evil king.
This meaning refers to something happening to many people or a whole group together. It usually refers to problems or big changes that affect many.
Hard times befall the whole village in winter.
Great changes befell the city after the war.
This older use means something, good or bad, arrives or comes to a person. It is usually found in stories or poems and is more formal or old-fashioned.
Great fortune befell the hero after his long journey.
A miracle befell the sick child yesterday.
