become

verb (used without object), be·came, be·come, be·com·ing.

1. to come, change, or grow to be (as specified): He became tired.
2. to come into being.

verb (used with object), be·came, be·come, be·com·ing.

3. to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on: That gown becomes you.
4. to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of: conduct that becomes an officer.

Idioms

5. become of, to happen to; be the fate of: What will become of him?

verb -comes, -coming, -came or -come (mainly intr)

1. (copula) to come to be; develop or grow intohe became a monster
2. (foll by of; usually used in a question) to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to)what became of him?
3. (tr) (of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suitthat dress becomes you
4. (tr) to be appropriate; befitit ill becomes you to complain

v.

Old English becuman “happen, come about,” also “meet with, arrive,” from Proto-Germanic *bikweman “become” (cf. Dutch bekomen, Old High German biqueman “obtain,” German bekommen, Gothic biquiman). A compound of be- and come; it drove out Old English weorðan. Meaning “to look well” is early 14c., from earlier sense of “to agree with, be fitting” (early 13c.).

In addition to the idiom beginning with become

• become of

, also see idioms beginning with

• get