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
-
In addition to preserving natural ecosystems and the sustainable fisheries that depend on them, reefs may help to protect coastlines from storms and floods, which will become ever more urgent as climate change and rising sea levels give rise to more dangerous storms.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
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By strengthening the muscles and protecting cartilage, these exercises can help reduce pain from overstressed, stiff joints.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 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
-
Bassist Franz Lyons, standing nearby onstage, is seen recoiling and shielding his eyes from the dispersing spray.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Instead, young professionals entering the workforce are hoping to land six-figure blue-collar careers like plumbers and carpenters to shield themselves against the threat of AI while also avoiding student loans.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But beneath her wit and warmth lies something guarded, secrets and sorrows carefully concealed.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Three days after the inmate was injured, a sheriff’s sergeant working overtime was assigned to guard the inmate at the hospital, according to prosecutors.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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