befriend

verb3

1. •
   To become a friend of (someone), to make friends with (someone).

   • Good Seruilius, vvill you befriend mee so farre, as to vse mine ovvne vvords to him? — 1605
2. •
   To act as a friend to (someone, especially a client) by providing companionship and support; to assist, to help.

   • The social worker very clearly befriends the families with whom she works, and the GP becomes a friend to many of his patients. — 1989
3. •
   (figurative) To benefit or favour (someone or something); also, to advocate or promote (someone or something).

   • Hence therefore, euery leader to his charge, / For on their ansvvere vvill vve set on them, / And God befriend vs as our cause is just. — 1597