warn

warn

verb \ˈwȯrn\

Definition of WARN

transitive verb

1

a : to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil

b : to give admonishing advice to : counsel

c : to call to one's attention : inform

2

: to order to go or stay away —often used with off

intransitive verb

: to give a warning

— warn·er noun

Examples of WARN

1. I had been warned about the difficulties of the job.
2. She warned me that the stove was still hot.
3. “This won't be easy,” he warned.
4. Nobody warned me about the dangers.
5. I warned him to be careful, but he didn't listen to me.
6. She warned us not to go too close to the fire.

Origin of WARN

Middle English, from Old English warnian; akin to Old High German warnōn to take heed, Old English wær careful, aware — more at wary

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WARN

Synonyms

advise, alert, caution, forewarn, wake

Related Words

augur, forecast, foretell, harbinger, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy; apprise, inform, notify, tip (off); admonish; bode, forebode (also forbode), foreshadow, foretoken, portend

Near Antonyms

imperil, risk

Rhymes with WARN

born, borne, bourn, corn, horn, lorn, morn, mourn, Norn, Orne, porn, scorn, thorn, Zorn