warn

verb

WORN/wɔɹn/UKWAWN/wɔːn/

Formswarns, warning, warned

7 meanings of warn

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To tell someone about a danger so they can stay safe.
Like a red light that tells you to stop before danger.
She warned her friends about the broken step.
We always warn new hikers about the steep path.
Similaralert, caution, advise, notify
Note
2
verbtransitive
To tell someone to stop doing something wrong or risky.
Like a coach telling a player to stop before they get a penalty.
The teacher warned the boys to stop running in the hall.
I warn you not to cheat on the test.
Similarcaution, admonish, advise, reprimand
Note
3
verbtransitive
To tell someone about something ahead of time.
Like a quick message telling you something will happen soon.
She warned us that she would be late.
Please warn me before you start the loud music.
Similarnotify, inform, advise, tell, alert
Note
4
verbintransitive
To give a sign or message about a coming danger or problem.
Like a smoke alarm that beeps before there is real danger.
The alarm warned just in time.
Dark clouds warn of a coming storm.
Note
5
verbtransitive
To tell someone to leave or to keep away.
Like a dog barking to keep strangers from coming closer.
The farmer warned the kids away from the deep pond.
Guards warn visitors off the private land.
Note
6
verbtransitive
To tell someone they must come to a meeting or do a duty.
Like getting a note that tells you exactly when to show up.
The court warned him to appear the next morning.
They warn each member before every official meeting.
Similarsummon, call
Note

Less common meaning

7
verbobsoletetransitive or intransitive
Of a clock, to make a clicking or whirring sound right before it strikes the hour.
Like a kettle that starts to rumble just before it whistles.
The old clock warned the hour before each chime.
Hark! the clock is warning ten;
1885, Walter Towers, PoemsHere, warning means a clock making a sound just before it strikes.
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of warn apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Old English warnian, meaning to take heed or warn. This goes back to older Germanic and Indo-European roots meaning to be aware or give heed.