warn

verb

ˈwȯrn 

warned; warning; warns

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

warner noun

Synonyms

• advise
• alert
• caution
• forewarn
• wake

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

Since there isn't a steady flow of water in and out of a lake, experts warn, any fecal matter, bacteria, algae or other pollutant could stick around for longer. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

Sixteen Nobel Prize-winning economists have warned that inflation would be turbocharged by up to 10% per some estimates if these tariffs are enacted. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Stephen Henriques, TIME, 16 July 2024

Since October 7, almost 70% of schools run by the UN’s agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza have been hit, the organization warned. —Helen Regan, CNN, 16 July 2024

The sites can steal credit card or personal information and siphon parking fees, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned earlier this year. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 16 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing warn

• I have to warn you
• pre-warn
• warn off

Kids Definition

warn

verb

ˈwȯ(ə)rn 

1

a

: to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil

b

: to give advice to : counsel

2

: to order to go or stay away

warned us off their land

warner noun