forefend
Definition
Verb: * To prevent something from happening; to ward off or avert a potential event, danger, or undesirable situation.
Usage
The verb "forefend" is a formal and somewhat literary term. It is used to describe the act of taking action to stop something, typically something negative, before it occurs. It is often followed by the thing being prevented. * The new security measures are designed to forefend any attempts at fraud. * She took an umbrella to forefend the possibility of getting caught in the rain.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Heaven forefend!": An old-fashioned, exclamatory phrase expressing a hope that something terrible will not happen. It is similar to saying "God forbid!"
- "Heaven forefend that we should ever have to face such a tragedy again."
Variants and Related Words
- Fend (verb): To defend or resist, often used in the phrase "fend off."
- She managed to fend off her attacker.
- Forfend (verb): An alternate, less common spelling of "forefend" with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Prevent: To stop something from happening.
- Avert: To turn away or prevent something undesirable.
- Forestall: To prevent or delay by taking action beforehand.
- Obviate: To remove or avoid a need or problem.
- Ward off: To prevent someone or something from harming or affecting you.
Antonyms
- Allow
- Permit
- Cause
- Precipitate
Verb
-
prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
-
Let's avoid a confrontation
-
head off a confrontation
-
avert a strike
-
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