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warn

verb \ˈwȯrn\

: to tell (someone) about possible danger or trouble

: to tell (someone) to do or not to do something in order to avoid danger or trouble

Full Definition of WARN

transitive verb

a : to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil

b : to give admonishing advice to : counsel

c : to call to one's attention : inform

: to order to go or stay away —often used with off

intransitive verb

: to give a warning

— warn·er noun

See warn defined for English-language learners

See warn defined for kids

Origin of WARN

Middle English, from Old English warnian; akin to Old High German warnōn to take heed, Old English wær careful, aware — more at wary

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WARN

Synonyms: advise, alert, caution, forewarn, wake

Rhymes with WARN

born, borne, bourn, corn, horn, lorn, morn, mourn, Norn, Orne, porn, scorn, thorn, Zorn

WARN Defined for Kids

warn

verb \ˈwȯrn\

warnedwarn·ing

Definition of WARN for Kids

: to put on guard : caution

: to notify especially in advance <I warned you I might not stay long.>

Learn More About WARN

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "warn"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "warn"

Nglish: Translation of "warn" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "warn" for Arabic speakers

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