forfend
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to defend, secure, or protect.
-
to fend off, avert, or prevent.
-
Archaic. forbid.
verb
-
to protect or secure
-
obsolete to prohibit or prevent
Etymology
Origin of forfend
First recorded in 1350–1400, forfend is from the Middle English word forfenden. See for-, fend
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The reason is clear: Audiences gravitate toward the popular and shrink from the unknown or, heaven forfend, the challenging.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025
Otherwise, he has to use — heaven forfend — a metal teapot.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2022
But we were most impressed with his willingness to be – heaven forfend – sincere and optimistic in 2019.
From Fox News • Dec. 31, 2019
Meanwhile, the filmmakers and stars Weinstein once so assiduously cultivated are now flocking to Netflix and Amazon — even, heaven forfend, premium cable.
From Washington Post • Oct. 12, 2017
Heaven forfend that the owl should have suffered a fraction of what Abel wished it.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
