What does "warn" mean?
To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:; To make (someone) aware of impending danger, evil, etc.
Warn
/wɔːn/ name, verb
name, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:; To make (someone) aware of impending danger, evil, etc.
- Grammar: warn is listed as name, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: admonish, acquaint, admonish, admonished.
- Useful contrasts: surprising, ambushing, blindside.
- Usage evidence: Doctors warn us of possible danger.
How to use "warn"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "warn" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "warn" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "warn" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "warn" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "warn" is acting as name, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "admonish" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "warn", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:; To make (someone) aware of impending danger, evil, etc. transitive
"We waved a flag to warn the oncoming traffic about the accident."
- 2 notify, usually in advance wordnet
- 3 To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:; To notify or inform (someone, about something). transitive
"I warned him he'd be getting a huge box of birthday presents from me."
- 4 ask to go away wordnet
- 5 To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:; To summon (someone) to or inform of a formal meeting or duty. transitive
"The sheriff warned her to appear in court."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 notify of danger, potential harm, or risk wordnet
- 7 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). ambitransitive, obsolete, possibly, transitive
"Hark! the clock is warning ten;"
- 8 advise or counsel in terms of someone's behavior wordnet
- 9 To caution or admonish (someone) against unwise or unacceptable behaviour. transitive
"He was warned against crossing the railway tracks at night."
- 10 To advise or order to go or stay away.
"A sign warns trespassers off/away from the site."
- 11 To give warning. intransitive
"then Iames Cephas and Iohn [...] agreed with vs that we shuld preache amonge the Hethen and they amonge the Iewes: warnynge only that we shulde remember the poore."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Example
"Doctors warn us of possible danger."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "warn"?
Common synonyms include: admonish, acquaint, admonish, admonished, admonishes, admonishing.
How do you use "warn" in a sentence?
Doctors warn us of possible danger.
How do you pronounce "warn"?
Pronounced /wɔːn/.
Etymology
From Middle English warnen, warnien (“to warn; admonish”), from Old English warnian (“to take heed; warn”), from Proto-Germanic *warnōną (“to warn; take heed”), from Proto-Indo-European *wer- (“to be aware; give heed”). Cognate with Dutch waarnen (obsolete), German Low German warnen, German warnen, Swedish varna, Icelandic varna.