forfend

from 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}]

from 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]

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