beget

verb

be·​get bi-ˈget How to pronounce beget (audio)
bē-
begot bi-ˈgät How to pronounce beget (audio)
bē-
 also begat bi-ˈgat How to pronounce beget (audio)
bē-
 ; begotten bi-ˈgä-tᵊn How to pronounce beget (audio)
bē-
 or begot; begetting
Synonyms of begetnext

transitive verb

1
: to procreate as the father : sire
He died without begetting an heir.
2
: to produce especially as an effect or outgrowth
Violence only begets more violence.
begetter noun

Synonyms

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Examples of beget in a Sentence

He died without begetting an heir. one change in the natural environment will beget others
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The more traditional sushi experience begat more personal L.A. restaurants that at first glance have the appearance of sushi bars but go beyond their traditional structure. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 This history best explains why the public today expects an inquiry commission, and why Netanyahu resists appointing one: Disasters beget commissions, and commissions can beget upheaval. — Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 Success begets success—every stage leads to the next. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 The research indicates a saliency to the Christian truths that revenge begets more revenge and those who live by the sword, die by the sword. — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beget

Word History

Etymology

Middle English begeten, beyeten, going back to Old English begietan "to get, beget," from be- be- + gietan "to get entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beget was in the 13th century

Rhymes for beget

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Browse Nearby Words

beget
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Cite this Entry

“Beget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beget. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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