as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
a place of refuge where the settlers could forfend themselves from attack
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forfend
What’s non-negotiable is that it must be made using a kettle, never — heaven forfend — a microwave.
—
Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
For people who spend too much time debating politics or surfing the internet -- or, heaven forfend, doing both at the same time -- engagement with the real world can present something of a ...
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 23 May 2024
In the United States, instead of building more houses inside the old circle (or, heaven forfend, even closer together and near the places people go), people have built houses even further away.
—Adam Rogers, Wired, 30 Dec. 2021
But is Twitter outrage (or, heaven forfend, praise) a useful metric for audience engagement?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2021
Heaven forfend!
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 3 July 2020
And of course the president says oh, my gosh, heaven forfend that poor Omarosa would have to go.
—Fox News, 14 Aug. 2018
Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
For people who spend too much time debating politics or surfing the internet -- or, heaven forfend, doing both at the same time -- engagement with the real world can present something of a ...
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 23 May 2024
In the United States, instead of building more houses inside the old circle (or, heaven forfend, even closer together and near the places people go), people have built houses even further away.
—Adam Rogers, Wired, 30 Dec. 2021
But is Twitter outrage (or, heaven forfend, praise) a useful metric for audience engagement?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2021
Heaven forfend!
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 3 July 2020
And of course the president says oh, my gosh, heaven forfend that poor Omarosa would have to go.
—Fox News, 14 Aug. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forfend
Verb
-
This warranty gives homeowners confidence that their investment is protected and that the company is committed to long-term results.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Prices start at $57 At minimum, an area rug’s job is to protect your floors from scratches, spills, and scuffs, but this particular style holds so much more importance in terms of adding decor, texture, and color to a space — just ask Joanna Gaines.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
India was the last of the four teams to qualify for the semifinals, but then beat defending champion and seven-time winner Australia by five wickets to reach the final.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Expect this team to defend at a high level and showcase the versatility to challenge anyone in the league — with a top-three ACC finish well within reach.—
The Athletic College Basketball Staff,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Made in Italy is besieged, and action must be taken to safeguard the local supply chain and its reputation.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Arizona’s cities have been shielded from existing cuts for three years by agreements with tribes and through compensation from fast-depleting pools of federal money.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The slick lobby was guarded by uniformed doormen and the elevator took me to a long polished corridor leading to a big mahogany door.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The podcast allows Kylie to walk the line between sharing details about her family and guarding her privacy.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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