the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
v. To prohibit; to forbid; to avert.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
To fend off; avert; forbid.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
v. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
Word Usage
"[Footnote: Cf. the prefix "for -" in English "forfend," to keep away, to avert, "forbid," to exclude from, to command against, "forbear," to refrain from, etc.]"