Search Result for "forfend":
Wordnet 3.0

VERB (1)

1. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening;
- Example: "Let's avoid a confrontation"
- Example: "head off a confrontation"
- Example: "avert a strike"
[syn: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Forfend \For*fend"\, v. t. [Pref. for- + fend. See Forewend.]
   To prohibit; to forbid; to avert. [Archaic]
   [1913 Webster]

         Which peril heaven forefend!             --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: This is etymologically the preferable spelling.
         [1913 Webster]