'Forfend' definitions:

Definition of 'forfend'

(from WordNet)
verb
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]

Definition of 'Forfend'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]