The New York Times Crossword · 46-Down · 6 letters
Forfends The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
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Meaning cue
Look for a six-letter present-tense verb meaning prevents or discourages.
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Answer
Why it fits
To forfend is to prevent or ward something off. DETERS fits that older verb in the third-person singular: something that forfends also discourages or prevents.
Continue this puzzleThe “N” of N.A.A.C.P.: Abbr. →What narrows the clue
The plural-looking clue is actually a third-person singular verb, so the answer needs the same -S grammar.
Answer meaning
Discourages or prevents an action by making it seem difficult or undesirable.
Where this clue appeared
46-Down in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 18, 2026.
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