warn

Verb

Verb Forms: warned, warning, warns

• To notify someone of impending or possible danger or trouble.
• notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
  • "The director warned him that he might be fired"
  • "The doctor warned me about the dangers of smoking"
• admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
  • "I warned him not to go too far"
  • "I warn you against false assumptions"
  • "She warned him to be quiet"
• ask to go away
  • "The old man warned the children off his property"
• notify, usually in advance
  • "I warned you that I would ask some difficult questions"
• To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:
• To make (someone) aware of impending danger, evil, etc.
• To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:
• To notify or inform (someone, about something).
• To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:
• To summon (someone) to or inform of a formal meeting or duty.
• To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:
• To make a sound (e.g. clicking or whirring) indicating that it is about to strike or chime (an hour).
• To caution or admonish (someone) against unwise or unacceptable behaviour.
• To advise or order to go or stay away.
• To give warning.

Examples

• A sign warns trespassers off/away from the site.
• Don't let me catch you running in the corridor again, I warn you.
• He was warned against crossing the railway tracks at night.
• I phoned to warn him of the road closure.
• I warned him he'd be getting a huge box of birthday presents from me.
• The Scrabble dictionary will warn you if your chosen word isn’t valid.
• We waved a flag to warn the oncoming traffic about the accident.

Synonyms

admonish, discourage, monish