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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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 And of course the president says oh, my gosh, heaven forfend that poor Omarosa would have to go. — Fox News, 14 Aug. 2018 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 But is Twitter outrage (or, heaven forfend, praise) a useful metric for audience engagement? — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2021 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forfend

Verb

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

Some of those properties may now be serving as locations where hidden assets are being safeguarded.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
The Components of Confidential Computing Confidential Computing (CC) safeguards data during processing, not just storage or transmission.

— Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of safeguard

Verb

In a June 10 letter, Abbott ordered state regulators to shield Texans from the electricity costs related to data centers.

— Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Court documents said Gipson allegedly stabbed one victim in the leg, stabbed another in the torso who was trying to shield the other victim, and nicked the third victim in the leg.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of shield

Verb

Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of forfend

verb

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