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forefend

 - 4 dictionary results

fore⋅fend

[fawr-fend, fohr-]
–verb (used with object)
forfend.

for⋅fend

[fawr-fend]
–verb (used with object)
1. to defend, secure, or protect.
2. to fend off, avert, or prevent.
3. Archaic. forbid.
Also, forefend.


Origin:
1350–1400; ME forfenden. See for-, fend
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To forefend
fore·fend   (fôr-fěnd', fōr-)   
v.  Variant of forfend.
for·fend also fore·fend   (fôr-fěnd', fōr-)   
tr.v.   for·fend·ed also fore·fend·ed, for·fend·ing also fore·fend·ing, for·fends also fore·fends
    1. To keep or ward off; avert.

    2. Archaic To forbid.

  1. To defend or protect.


[Middle English forfenden : for-, for- + fenden, to ward off; see fend.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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