Forfend
verb
To prevent, guard, or protect.
May the gods forfend your lot.

Often appears as...
- forfend your lot
- forfend evil
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
verb
To forbid or prohibit.
My father did strictly forfend the match.

Often appears as...
- forfend the match
- gods forfend
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
verb
To prevent, guard, or protect.
May the gods forfend your lot.

Often appears as...
- forfend your lot
- forfend evil
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
verb
To forbid or prohibit.
My father did strictly forfend the match.

Often appears as...
- forfend the match
- gods forfend
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
Definition 1 of 2

Literary Expression
Used mainly in books or poems, not in casual conversation.

In epic tales, heroes often ask deities to 'forfend' their fate.
Old-fashioned Protection
Think of 'forfend' as a historical way of saying 'protect'.

Ancient prayers would include a plea to 'forfend' from harm.
Emotional Intensity
Shows a strong wish to prevent something serious or bad.

Let us 'forfend' the outbreak of another war.
Literary Expression
Used mainly in books or poems, not in casual conversation.

In epic tales, heroes often ask deities to 'forfend' their fate.
Old-fashioned Protection
Think of 'forfend' as a historical way of saying 'protect'.

Ancient prayers would include a plea to 'forfend' from harm.
Emotional Intensity
Shows a strong wish to prevent something serious or bad.

Let us 'forfend' the outbreak of another war.
Literary Expression
Used mainly in books or poems, not in casual conversation.

In epic tales, heroes often ask deities to 'forfend' their fate.
Old-fashioned Protection
Think of 'forfend' as a historical way of saying 'protect'.

Ancient prayers would include a plea to 'forfend' from harm.
Emotional Intensity
Shows a strong wish to prevent something serious or bad.

Let us 'forfend' the outbreak of another war.
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