forfend

verb

for·fend | \fȯr-ˈfend

\

forfended; forfending; forfends

Definition of forfend

transitive verb

1a archaic : forbid

b : to ward off : prevent

2 : protect, preserve

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about forfend

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Did You Know?

English speakers have been using forfend with the meanings "to forbid" and "to prevent" since the late 14th century, and the meaning "to protect" since the late 16th century. These days, however, the "forbid" sense is considered archaic; we only use it (as in our second example) in phrases like "heaven forfend" or "God forfend." Forfend comes from for- (an old prefix meaning "so as to involve prohibition, exclusion, omission, failure, neglect, or refusal") and Middle English fenden (a shorter variant of defenden, meaning "to defend").

Examples of forfend in a Sentence

a place of refuge where the settlers could forfend themselves from attack

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Dictionary Entries near forfend

forfeiture bond

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The first known use of forfend was in the 14th century

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