forfend Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
    stave off; avert; debar; avoid; deflect; obviate; head off; forefend; fend off; ward off.
    • Let's avoid a confrontation
    • head off a confrontation
    • avert a strike

WordNet

For*fend" transitive verb
Etymology
Pref. for- + fend. See Forewend.
Definitions
  1. To prohibit; to forbid; to avert. Archaic
    Which peril heaven forefend! Shak.
    ✍ This is etymologically the preferable spelling.

Webster 1913