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
-
Consider moving a meeting to protect family time, because a small adjustment could restore steadiness without sacrificing your supportive nature.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
To protect these fragile machines, developers are supposed to invest in expensive battery storage or grid backups, ultimately driving up production costs and stalling the transition to affordable green fuel.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV stepped up to the microphone and with unvarnished vigor defended his quarterback.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Coyotes vocalize to defend their territories and for inter-pack communication.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
-
These facilities specialize in safeguarding bullion for institutional clients, financial institutions and retirement accounts.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and shield your head, or leave your vehicle and find shelter in a ditch or ravine.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Mayor Mamdani and his team want to position themselves as heroes battling the wrath of bad landlords, while shielding the work, or lack thereof, of this administration (and previous administrations) and not answer for its own neglect.—
Renee Collymore,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Speak with precision, and set limits to guard your focus.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The junior guard was double-teamed, pressed and face-guarded but still found his way to the rim time and time again.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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