from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
forefend
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}]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Forefend \Fore*fend"\, v. t. [OE. forfenden; pref. for- + fenden
to fend. See {Fend}, v. t.]
To hinder; to fend off; to avert; to prevent the approach of;
to forbid or prohibit. See {Forfend}.
[1913 Webster]
God forefend it should ever be recorded in our history.
--Landor.
[1913 Webster]
It would be a far better work . . . to forefend the
cruelty. --I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]