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 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

But data, though personal and medical in nature, is not covered by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects personal electronic health data in other contexts.

— Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
These women pressured local judges and sheriffs, and would actively show up to courthouses, protecting potential lynching victims with thier own bodies.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
In an earlier statement to TMZ, Seaver defended his messages to Nozell, saying they had been taken out of context.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

The administration also is investigating alleged violations of parents’ right to safeguard their children from the collection of private and sensitive information at school.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Never promoting renewable energy or safeguarding us with stronger regulation.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguard

Verb

Legal experts say the industry’s claim to be shielded by federal law is weak.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The feels-like temperature was 105 degrees, with umpires chugging water between innings and fans shielding their heads with giveaway towels on a cloudless day.

— Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

Verb

The only two Heat players unavailable for Saturday’s exhibition were forward Keshad Johnson (right hamstring strain) and guard Dru Smith (right calf strain).

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
The terms have been kept closely guarded, in large part because competitors would insist on comparable deals.

— Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of forfend

verb

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