forfend

Definition

To prohibit; to forbid; to avert.

Etymology

From Middle English forfenden (“to ward off, protect, prohibit”), equivalent to for- + fend.

Example Sentences

• "Clown: … You would know where Lord Anthonie is? I perceiue you. Shall I ſay he is in yond farme houſe? I deceiue you. Shall I tell you this wine is for him? the gods forfend, and ſo I end. Go fellow fighters theres a bob for ye."
• "2008, Lew, short circuit operators, [email protected] What? Multi-posting? Usenet Gods forfend!"
• "People have long given thought to the causes of danger and how they might be forfended."