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beware

verb be·ware \ bi-ˈwer , bē- \
|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of beware

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

See beware defined for English-language learners

See beware defined for kids

Examples of beware in a Sentence

  1. A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”.

  2. He told them to beware.

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

Recent Examples of beware from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beware.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of beware

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

BEWARE Defined for English Language Learners

beware

verb

Definition of beware for English Language Learners

  • : to be careful : to act in a way that shows you know that there may be danger or trouble

BEWARE Defined for Kids

beware

verb be·ware \ bi-ˈwer \

Definition of beware for Students

: to be cautious or careful
  • beware of the dog
  • He told them to beware.
Hint: Beware is used only in the forms beware or to beware.

Learn More about beware

  1. See words that rhyme with beware Spanish Central: Translation of beware Nglish: Translation of beware for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of beware for Arabic speakers

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