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Definition of "betide" [be•tide]

  • To happen to. (verb-transitive)
  • To take place; befall. See Synonyms at happen. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "betide" in a sentence
  • "Newcomers are viewed skeptically until they "prove" their loyalty, and "woe betide anyone who walks into our house wearing that [hated team X] shirt!""
  • "But woe betide anyone who refers to Watercliffe Meadow as a school."
  • "USNclerk says: wow, the trolls have basically left the gay marriage thread be. but woe betide anyone who attacks Rush./snark"