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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Origin: | hap ( HAPPY) |
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hap‧pen S1 W1
[intransitive]
[intransitive]1 when something happens, there is an event, especially one that is not planned [= occur]: When did the accident happen? It's impossible to predict what will happen next.
When did the accident happen?It's impossible to predict what will happen next. something/nothing/anything happens Something terrible has happened. She carried on as if nothing had happened.
Something terrible has happened.She carried on as if nothing had happened.2 if something happens to someone or something, they are affected by an event : He should be here by now - something must have happened to him. The same thing happened to me last year. What's happened to your coat? It's all ripped.
something/anything/what happens to somebody/something
He should be here by now - something must have happened to him.The same thing happened to me last year.What's happened to your coat? It's all ripped.3 if you happen to do something, you do it by chance : I happened to see James in town.
happen to do something
I happened to see James in town.4 used when telling someone something in an angry way : This happens to be my house!
somebody/something happens to be something
This happens to be my house!5 used to tell someone something that is surprising, interesting, or useful : As it happens, I know someone who might be able to help.
as it happens/it just so happens
As it happens, I know someone who might be able to help.6 used to tell someone not to worry about a mistake they have made, an accident they have caused etc : It's not your fault - these things happen.
these things happen
It's not your fault - these things happen.7 used to ask where a person or thing is now : Whatever happened to Steve? I haven't seen him for years.
whatever happened to somebody/something?
Whatever happened to Steve? I haven't seen him for years.➔ accidents (will) happen
at accident (5)happen on/upon somebody/something
phrasal verbI happened on the restaurant by chance.