# warn

Pronunciation: US say "WORN" /wɔɹn/; UK say "WAWN" /wɔːn/

## Verb

1. To make someone aware of approaching danger, harm, or trouble.
   - Simple: To tell someone about a danger so they can stay safe.
   - _The lifeguard warned the swimmers about the strong current._
   - _I warn you that the road ahead is icy and unmarked._
2. To caution or sternly advise someone against unwise or unacceptable behavior.
   - Simple: To tell someone to stop doing something wrong or risky.
   - _The referee warned the player for the dangerous tackle._
   - _Officials warn drivers against using their phones at the wheel._
3. To notify or inform someone about something, usually in advance.
   - Simple: To tell someone about something ahead of time.
   - _The manager warned staff that the system would go offline overnight._
   - _They warn customers about likely delivery delays during the holidays._
4. To give a warning about a coming danger or problem.
   - Simple: To give a sign or message about a coming danger or problem.
   - _The sirens warned of the approaching tornado._
   - _Signs along the cliff warn of falling rocks._
5. To advise or order someone to go away or to stay away.
   - Simple: To tell someone to leave or to keep away.
   - _The rancher warned trespassers off his property._
   - _Signs warn hikers away from the unstable ledge._
6. To summon someone to a formal meeting or duty, or to notify them of one.
   - Simple: To tell someone they must come to a meeting or do a duty.
   - _The clerk warned the jurors to attend the hearing on Monday._
   - _Parish officers warn residents to serve on the council._

## Verb

7. Of a clock, to make a sound such as clicking or whirring to signal that it is about to strike or chime the hour. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Of a clock, to make a clicking or whirring sound right before it strikes the hour.
   - _The great hall clock warned midnight with a soft whirring before the bell._
   - _Listen closely and the tower clock will warn the hour moments before it strikes._

## Origin

From Middle English warnen ("to warn; admonish"), from Old English warnian ("to take heed; warn"), from Proto-Germanic *warnōną, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wer- ("to be aware; give heed"). It is cognate with German warnen, Swedish varna, and Icelandic varna.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/warn (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).