befallen
Translation
to afflict, to infest, to befall, to strike
Examples
Die Pflanzen sind von Schädlingen befallen.
The plants are infested with pests.
Ein Gefühl der Angst befiel ihn.
A feeling of fear came over him.
Die Grippe hat viele Menschen befallen.
The flu has afflicted many people.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n/et4)) befallen (to afflict sb./sth.) The flu has afflicted many people.
von ((et3)) befallen sein (to be infested by sth.) The plants are infested with pests.
Similar Words
heimsuchen (to plague), überkommen (to overcome)
Etymology
Comes from 'be-' (inseparable prefix) + 'fallen' (to fall). The literal sense is 'to fall upon' something or someone.
Memory Tips
Picture a plague or a feeling 'falling upon' (befallen) a city.