1. to prevent or ward off (something unwanted or harmful)
Usage: often used with 'off'; somewhat formal or archaic
2. to protect or defend (someone or something)
Usage: archaic or literary

Examples

• May heaven forfend such a disaster from occurring.
• She tried to forfend off the criticism with a prepared statement.
• The treaty was designed to forfend war between the two nations.
• Forfend that we should ever abandon our principles.
• He took precautions to forfend any potential problems.
• The charm was meant to forfend evil spirits.