happen to

phrasal verb

happened to; happening to; happens to

: to affect or involve (someone or something) as the result of an event or action

An odd thing happened to me on my way to the office last week.

I wonder what/whatever happened to that guy after he lost his job.

especially : to affect (someone or something) in a bad or harmful way

I promise nothing will happen to you.

What happened to the car? There's a big scratch on the fender.

Examples of happen to in a Sentence

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.

This also happens to be a great time of year in Maryland. —

Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024 During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar wonder what happened to two proud programs suddenly heading in opposite directions. —

Wesley Alden, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024 This is Rasoulof showing us in visceral terms what likely happened to Amini herself, whose death authorities ascribed to a stroke while in hospital. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Nov. 2024 When someone dies without a will, also known as dying intestate, a state’s intestate succession laws determine what happens to their assets. —

Lorie Konish, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for happen to