warn

verb

\ ˈwȯrn

warned; warning; warns

Definition of warn

transitive verb

1a : 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

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Examples of warn in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Lockheed Martin, which makes both systems, says the PDAS improves missile warning capability for pilots. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Thanks to F-35 Tech, V-280 Tiltrotor Pilots Will Soon See in All Directions," 18 Apr. 2019 Antivirus makers Sophos and Avast are warning users that installing a recent Windows update may cause their PCs to lock up or fail to boot. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Sophos, Avast warn of Windows machines failing to boot after latest Microsoft patch," 15 Apr. 2019 Why are women not warned about the morning-after pill weight limit? — Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, "What Shrill Gets Right—and Wrong—About the Morning-After Pill Weight Limit," 15 Mar. 2019 Joshua Miller, director of technical training of Rainbow International, a professional restoration and cleaning services company, warns that bleach can set a protein stain like semen into sheets and upholstery. — Gigi Engle, SELF, "7 Tips for Cleaning Up After Sex Gets Messy," 12 Dec. 2018 Most designers warn against anything wood finishes that skew very red or orange, which have a tendency to look dated. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "How to Choose the Right Hardwood Floor Color," 11 Mar. 2019 Although Josh warns against penny-pinching in this department. — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, "Why Exactly Does My Hair Hurt?," 7 Mar. 2019 The European Union warned Trump to assess the potential impact of abandoning a 40-year-old arms control agreement. — Fox News, "Treaty exits and extensions top Trump adviser's Moscow talks," 23 Oct. 2018 Clooney used the opportunity to defend Markle, and to warn that history may be repeating itself. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "George Clooney Says Meghan Markle Is Being "Vilified," Just Like Princess Diana Was," 12 Feb. 2019

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

History and Etymology for warn

Middle English warnen, going back to Old English wearnian, warnian "to be on one's guard, make aware, put on one's guard," going back to West Germanic *warnōjan- (whence Middle Dutch waernen "to provide with, give notice of a danger," Old High German warnōn), probably causative derivative of Germanic *wara- "cognizant, watchful" — more at ware entry 1