forfend

to drive danger or attack away from a place of refuge where the settlers could forfend themselves from attack Synonyms bulwark, cover, fence, fend, defend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, wardRelated Words avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wallNear Antonyms bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yieldAntonyms assail, assault, attack