warning

¹warn·ing

noun \ˈwȯr-niŋ\

Definition of WARNING

1

: the act of warning : the state of being warned <he had warning of his illness>

2

: something that warns or serves to warn; especially : a notice or bulletin that alerts the public to an imminent hazard (as a tornado, thunderstorm, or flood)

Examples of WARNING

1. She gave me a warning about the difficulties of the job.
2. She issued a stern warning against making changes too quickly.
3. Let that be a warning to you.
4. We had no warning of the dangers that were ahead of us.
5. Without any warning she turned around and ran.
6. The storm struck without warning.
7. I was stopped for speeding, but the policeman just gave me a warning.

First Known Use of WARNING

before 12th century

Related to WARNING

Synonyms

admonishment, admonition, alarm (also alarum), alert, caution, forewarning, heads-up, notice

Related Words

auguring, augury, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, prediction, premonition, presaging, prognosticating, prophecy (also prophesy), prophesying; apprising, informing, notification, notifying, tip-off; advice, counsel, guidance, recommendation, suggestion, tip; announcement, declaration

Near Antonyms

all clear

Rhymes with WARNING

morning, mourning

²warning

adjective

Definition of WARNING

: serving as an alarm, signal, summons, or admonition <a warning bell> <a warning shot>

— warn·ing·ly \ˈwȯr-niŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of WARNING

1. <usually gave her trademark warning look when the children were getting out of hand>

First Known Use of WARNING

1511

Related to WARNING

Synonyms

admonishing, admonitory, cautioning, exemplary, monitory, premonitory, cautionary

Related Words

didactic, moralistic, moralizing; advisory, counseling (or counselling); punishing, punitive