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forfend

 - 3 dictionary results

for⋅fend

  [fawr-fend]
Use forfend in a Sentence
–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 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.

  2. 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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Word Origin & History

forfend 
1382, "to protect, prohibit," a hybrid from for- + fend, from L. defendere "to ward off."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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