FORFEND Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

forfend

verb

fȯr-ˈfend

Definition of forfend

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 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 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

More missiles, many more options This would significantly expand the ship’s ability to protect an entire naval task group, rather than primarily concentrating on defending itself and nearby assets.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Russia imposed temporary export controls on helium in April to protect its domestic supply.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

Trump proceeded to defend the White House renovation for an additional five-odd minutes before delivering Obama a message directly.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Egypt's president sought to reassure the public that the country wouldn't attack Yemen, and that the military support is limited to defending Saudi territory.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

On the other hand, automation can optimize the return on human capital if it is used to eliminate low-value tasks while safeguarding the organization’s long-term human innovative capacity.

— Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
In 2023, amidst the collapse of Credit Suisse, Ermotti returned to lead UBS, spearheading the historic emergency acquisition of Credit Suisse to safeguard Swiss financial stability.

— , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguard

Verb

Campbell ended up hitting the block of all blocks off the tee, with his ball entering what is a legitimate jungle guarding the right side of the fairway.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Instead, my mother ferociously guarded her friendships with open-minded neighbors.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of guard

Browse Nearby Words

forfeitures

forfend

forfended

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“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of forfend

verb

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