forfend

[ fawr-fend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to defend, secure, or protect.
2. to fend off, avert, or prevent.
3. Archaic. forbid.

forfend

/ fɔːˈfɛnd /

verb

1. to protect or secure
2. obsolete.
   to prohibit or prevent

Word History and Origins

Origin of forfend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, forfend is from the Middle English word forfenden. See for-, fend

Example Sentences

Heaven forfend that change in any shape, whether of embellishment or of decay, should fall upon that cottage!

From Project Gutenberg

God forfend that she should come home to-night and find you here!

From Project Gutenberg

Unless they actually set fire to the steeple, which Heaven forfend, we can laugh at them.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it not rather the blind brute instinct of self-protection, forfend what may?

From Project Gutenberg

Heaven forfend me from Lamarck nonsense of a "tendency to progression," "adaptations from the slow willing of animals," etc.!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avert
• avoid
• bar
• block
• counter
• forbid
• forestall
• halt
• hamper
• hinder
• impede
• inhibit
• limit
• preclude
• prohibit
• put an end to
• restrain
• restrict
• rule out
• stop