1.
[syn: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Forfend \For*fend"\, v. t. [Pref. for- + fend. See Forewend.]
To prohibit; to forbid; to avert. [Archaic]
[1913 Webster]
Which peril heaven forefend! --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This is etymologically the preferable spelling.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
forfend
v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert
a strike" [syn: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate,
deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off,
avoid, ward off]