The New York Times Crossword · 46-Down · 6 letters
Forfends The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
Answer
DETERS
Why DETERS 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.
Clue signal
The plural-looking clue is actually a third-person singular verb, so the answer needs the same -S grammar.
DETERS 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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