First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
behoove
verb be·hoove \bi-ˈhüv, bē-\
: to be necessary or proper for (someone)
be·hoovedbe·hoov·ing
Full Definition of BEHOOVE
transitive verb
: to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for <it behooves us to go>
intransitive verb
: to be necessary, fit, or proper
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Origin of BEHOOVE
Middle English behoven, from Old English behōfian, from behōf
BEHOOVE Defined for Kids
behoove
verb be·hoove \bi-ˈhüv\
be·hoovedbe·hoov·ing
Definition of BEHOOVE for Kids
: to be necessary or proper for <Indeed, it behooved him to keep on good terms with his pupils. — Washington Irving, “Sleepy Hollow”>
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