beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwer 

bē-

intransitive verb

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

transitive verb

1

: to take care of

beware your wallet

2

: to be wary of

we must … beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization

—Matthew Lipman

Synonyms

• guard (against)
• look out (for)
• mind
• ware
• watch out (for)

Examples of beware in a Sentence

A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”.

He told them to beware.

The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bottom line: When CEOs complain about customers pulling back, beware the messenger. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 9 Aug. 2024

But watchers beware, as the movie goes on the chaos only gets rockier and twistier. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 23 July 2024

Just beware that pre-chilled bulbs usually don’t bloom for a second season, therefore they should be treated like annuals. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 20 July 2024

Potential 'mini' pig owners beware: The pets can grow to be about 200 pounds, experts say. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English been war, from been "to be" + war "cognizant, ware entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwa(ə)r 

-ˈwe(ə)r

1

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

2

: to be suspicious of

beware the quick excuse