God forbid


Also, heaven forbid. May God prevent something from happening or being the case. For example, God forbid that they actually encounter a bear, or Heaven forbid that the tornado pulls off the roof. This term, in which heaven also stands for “God,” does not necessarily imply a belief in God's direct intervention but merely expresses a strong wish. [c. 1225] For a synonym, see perish the thought.

Words Nearby God forbid

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use God forbid in a sentence

  • I shall not write any more of these diary letters unless there are further acute developments, which God forbid.

  • My uncle pretty well too, and she believes would marry again were my aunt dead, which God forbid.

  • God forbid that another quarter century should pass before this is fulfilled.

    Silver Chimes in Syria | W. S. Nelson
  • May God forbid, that after all these years of darkness you should play me false now when the dawn is already lightening the sky.

    Mysterious Mr. Sabin | E. Phillips Oppenheim
  • I must keep a sharp watch, or she'll put poor Indiana's nose quite out of joint, which God forbid.

    Camilla | Fanny Burney