warn
WAWN
Warn (verb) means to alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen. Example: “Signs on the beach warn swimmers about strong currents.”
verb
1
To alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen.
"Signs on the beach warn swimmers about strong currents."
"The forecast warned residents of an approaching storm."
"She warned him not to trust the offer."
2
To advise someone against a particular course of action or behaviour.
"My mother warned me against lending money to friends."
"The doctor warned him not to skip his medication."
"The coach warned the team about complacency after their winning streak."
How to use warn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone about a danger or problem ahead of time so they can avoid it.
Common mistake
Use "warn someone of/about something", not "warn something to someone."
Common pairings
warn against
warn of danger
duly warned
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- warns
- Past tense
- warned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Signs on the beach _____ swimmers about strong currents.
Etymology
From Old English warnian ("to take heed, to warn"), from a Germanic root meaning "to be aware" or "give heed."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for warn
See all rhymes for warn →Frequently asked questions
What does “warn” mean?
The word “warn” means to alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen. In plain terms, to tell someone about a danger or problem ahead of time so they can avoid it.
How do you pronounce “warn”?
“Warn” is pronounced WAWN (/ˈwɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “warn” in a sentence?
Here is “warn” used in a sentence: “The forecast warned residents of an approaching storm.”
What part of speech is “warn”?
“Warn” is a verb.
Where does the word “warn” come from?
The word “warn” comes from Old English. From Old English warnian ("to take heed, to warn"), from a Germanic root meaning "to be aware" or "give heed.".
Is “warn” a common word?
“Warn” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “warn” have?
“Warn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen.
Do you warn someone of, about, or against something?
All three prepositions are correct, with different shades. You warn someone of or about a danger or problem, with of sounding slightly more formal, and you warn someone against an action you are advising them not to take. Warn can also be followed by an object and an infinitive: "she warned him to stay away".
What is the difference between warn and caution?
Both mean to alert someone to possible danger or advise them against a course of action, but caution is milder and more formal, often appearing in official contexts. Warn is the everyday word and tends to suggest more serious or urgent danger.
What is the difference between warn and threaten?
To warn someone is to alert them to a danger or problem so they can avoid harm; the speaker's intent is protective. To threaten is to declare that you yourself will cause the harm. "I'm warning you" sits on the boundary, since it is often a veiled threat.
What is the difference between warn and forewarn?
Both mean to alert someone to a coming danger or problem, but forewarn stresses that the alert comes well in advance, as in the proverb "forewarned is forearmed". Warn is the general-purpose word; forewarn is slightly more formal and literary.
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