Befriends

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To form an amicable bond with someone by fostering trust and goodwill
2. To create a supportive and friendly connection with another individual through shared experiences
3. To establish a friendly relationship by showing kindness and support to another person

Etymology: This is an inflected form: "befriends" is the third-person singular present of "befriend", a verb meaning to form a friendship with someone. The base verb is simple to take apart. The prefix "be-" here is an intensifier, as in "bedeck" or "besiege," and it was attached to "friend" used as a verb, meaning to act as a friend to someone. Behind that lies the Old English "frēond," which goes back to a Germanic root for a person who is loved or cherished. The verb is not an ancient one. Its roots run deep through "friend," but the combined form "befriend" is built on the older verb "friend" and the intensifying prefix. Its close relatives in Dutch ("bevrienden"), German ("befreunden"), and West Frisian ("befreone") show the same construction, so it is a shared Germanic pattern rather than a single English invention.

Synonyms: befriend, associate, acquaint, chum, buddy

Antonyms: alienate, estrange, disaffect, oppose, reject