forfend

Also forefend

[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

The reason is clear: Audiences gravitate toward the popular and shrink from the unknown or, heaven forfend, the challenging.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He once thought their greatest fear was a stiff primary challenge and the possibility — heaven forfend — of losing reelection.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Heaven forfend that the owl should have suffered a fraction of what Abel wished it.

Read more on Literature

Recently relocated to Paris from Los Angeles, Millepied has not — heaven forfend — been idle.

Read more on New York Times

“It isn’t hard to see the Oscars on a track to becoming something like the National Book Awards” — heaven forfend! — “with way more glamorous presenters.”

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• ban 
• block 
• cancel 
• censor 
• deny 
• deprive 
• disallow 
• enjoin 
• exclude 
• freeze 
• halt 
• hinder 
• impede 
• inhibit 
• oppose 
• preclude 
• prevent 
• proscribe 
• restrain 
• restrict