forfend

for·fend

also fore·fend (fôr-fĕnd′)

tr.v. for·fend·ed, for·fend·ing, for·fends also fore·fend·ed or fore·fend·ing or fore·fends

1. To keep or ward off; avert.

2. Archaic To forbid.

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[Middle English forfenden : for-, for- + fenden, to ward off; see fend.]

forfend

(fɔːˈfɛnd) or

forefend

vb (tr)

1. US to protect or secure

2. obsolete to prohibit or prevent

for•fend

or fore•fend

(fɔrˈfɛnd)

v.t.

1. to defend, secure, or protect.

2. to fend off, avert, or prevent.

3. Archaic. to forbid.

[1350–1400]

forfend

Past participle: forfended
Gerund: forfending

Imperative

forfend

forfend

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

forfend - prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike" deflect, fend off, forefend, head off, avert, stave off, ward off, avoid, debar, obviate foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent, forbid - keep from happening or arising; make impossible; "My sense of tact forbids an honest answer"; "Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project"

forfend

also forefend
verb

To prohibit from occurring by advance planning or action:

avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent, rule out, stave off, ward (off).

Idiom: nip in the bud.

Translations

prevenire

behoedenbewarenverbieden