forfend v. + Add to list UK //fˈɔːfənd// for·fend Archaic SynonymsEtymology Synonyms avertavoiddebardeflectforefendobviateOriginMEforfenden→ENforfend From Middle English forfenden (“to ward off, protect, prohibit”), equivalent to for- + fend. Idioms1 entry01God forfendDon't let it be.