forfend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, highly formal/archaic/literary)Formal, Literary, Archaic, Humorous (in fixed phrases)
Quick answer
What does “forfend” mean?
To avert, prevent, or protect against something undesirable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To avert, prevent, or protect against something undesirable.
Historically, to prohibit or forbid. In modern use, often found in the humorous or archaic idiom "heaven forfend" expressing a wish to avert a particular event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a strong connotation of antiquity, formality, or deliberate stylistic choice. When used, it often adds a tone of melodrama, mock-seriousness, or historical flavour.
Frequency
Extremely low in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts, but the fixed phrase "heaven forfend" is recognized in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “forfend” in a Sentence
[Heaven/God] forfend (that) + clauseto forfend + [noun phrase] (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forfend” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient charter was meant to forfend against royal encroachment.
- "Heaven forfend," she whispered, "that the rain should ruin the garden party."
American English
- The old law sought to forfend such monopolies.
- "God forfend we should be late," he said with a dramatic sigh.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or literary analysis discussing older texts.
Everyday
Only in the fixed, often humorous phrase "Heaven forfend" to express mock horror.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forfend”
- Using it as a normal verb in modern prose (e.g., 'We must forfend budget cuts').
- Misspelling as 'forefend'.
- Incorrect pronunciation placing stress on the first syllable (/ˈfɔːfɛnd/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare in modern English. You will most likely only encounter it in the exclamation 'Heaven forfend' or in historical/literary texts.
'Defend' means to protect from attack or harm. 'Forfend' is more specific and archaic, meaning to avert or ward off something *before* it happens, often something fated or divinely ordained.
Generally, no. It is considered archaic. Using it outside of a direct quote or a specific stylistic choice (e.g., in historical fiction) will make your writing seem unnatural. Use 'prevent', 'avert', or 'ward off' instead.
The stress is on the second syllable: for-FEND. It rhymes with 'defend'.
To avert, prevent, or protect against something undesirable.
Forfend is usually formal, literary, archaic, humorous (in fixed phrases) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Heaven forfend!”
- “God forfend!”
- “Perish the thought!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOR-bid + deFEND = FORFEND. You 'forbid' something to 'defend' against it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (to forfend is to hold up a shield against misfortune).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, the verb 'forfend' is primarily used: