befriend

Befriend is a transitive verb meaning to become friends with someone or to cause someone to become your friend. It implies intentional effort to establish friendship, often to help someone feel welcome or supported. Example: "The volunteers befriended the newcomer."

Etymology: The word is formed from the prefix be- attached to friend, with the sense "to make into a friend." It appears in Middle English as befriende and has continued in use into modern English.

Usage and nuance: Befriend is somewhat formal or deliberate in tone and is commonly used in social, educational, or humanitarian contexts. It focuses on the act of initiating or fostering a friendship, rather than the casual outcome of simply meeting someone. Related expressions include "make friends with" and, in some contexts, "befriend" may carry connotations of guidance, mentorship, or advocacy.

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