betide

verb

be·​tide bi-ˈtīd How to pronounce betide (audio)
bē-
betided; betiding; betides
Synonyms of betidenext

intransitive verb

: to happen especially as if by fate

transitive verb

: to happen to : befall
—used chiefly in the phrase woe betide
woe betide our enemies

Synonyms

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Examples of betide in a Sentence

we will be happy in our new home, whatever may betide
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.
Disney recommends paying between 18% and 20% for service and woe betide anyone who tries to avoid that charge. — Caroline Reid, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Woe betide the piece of content that risks entering the market as something wholly unfamiliar. — Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of betide was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing betide

Rhymes for betide

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Browse Nearby Words

betide
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Cite this Entry

“Betide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betide. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

betide

verb
be·​tide bi-ˈtīd How to pronounce betide (audio)
betided; betiding
: to happen or happen to
woe betide you if they ever find out what you've done
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