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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Recent Examples of forfend
For people who spend too much time debating politics or surfing the internet -- or, heaven forfend, doing both at the same time -- engagement with the real world can present something of a ...
—
Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 23 May 2024
Heaven forfend!
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 3 July 2020
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
Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 23 May 2024
Heaven forfend!
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 3 July 2020
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
-
The concentric layers of photon shields protect the sensitive optical instruments from the heat of the Earth and sun.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Many fractional leaders work across industries or sign non-compete agreements to avoid working with direct competitors, but companies must establish clear expectations to protect sensitive information.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Adams then would be afforded some type of public hearing to defend himself against the claims.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
China’s foreign minister on Thursday defended South Africa’s effort to promote solidarity, equality and sustainability at Group of 20 gatherings this year, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted the first high-level meeting in Johannesburg this week because of that focus.—
John Eligon,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
There are strict protections in place to safeguard taxpayer data.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The meeting with Keith Kellogg, the special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, was meant to discuss paths to ending the war that would safeguard Ukraine’s interests.—
Constant Méheut,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ultimately, shielding my kids from the impact money can have on our lives isn’t in their best interest.—
Mita Mallick,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
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The threat of tariffs is being used in an attempt to shield US companies from the same scrutiny and obligations that every other business in the world faces.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Even those who survive are now inclined to guard their cash zealously, limiting their purchases of coffee.—
Peter S. Goodman,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The first gold arrived at Fort Knox in 1937 with the 1st Cavalry Regiment called on to guard the shipment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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