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
-
They’re designed for indoor and outdoor wear thanks to a durable outsole and warm shearling lining that protects against chilly temperatures.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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They are designed to protect homes and businesses against the type of winter storms that have severely flooded the low-lying community of Alviso multiple times with water up to 6 feet deep and which are posing more risk as sea level rises due to climate change.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The county is currently defending a long-running class-action case alleging systemic deficiencies in the jails’ health care.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
McKinney has an interception on the season and four passes defended.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Infiniti was deep into production on One Battle when Presumed Innocent premiered, so she was shielded from the bulk of the attention and intrigue that came her way.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With just one starter back from a season ago — guard Kylan Blackmon — Fearne has his work cut out for him.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Sep. 2025
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The five players who the Heat currently has signed to Exhibit 10 contracts are forward Dain Dainja, guard Trevor Keels, guard Gabe Madsen, guard Ethan Thompson and guard Jahmir Young.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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