Definition

1. Verb:
   • To warn in advance or beforehand; to give an early warning: The act of informing someone about a possible danger, problem, or undesirable event before it happens, so they can prepare or avoid it.

Usage

• The verb forewarn is typically used with a direct object (the person being warned) and is often followed by the preposition 'of' to introduce the specific danger, or 'against' to advise avoidance. It can also be followed by a 'that' clause.
• It is used in formal and serious contexts, emphasizing the timeliness of the warning.
• Structure: / /

Examples

• Verb:
  • The weather service forewarned the coastal residents of the approaching hurricane.
  • I must forewarn you that the path ahead is very steep and dangerous.
  • She forewarned her colleague against trusting the new client's promises.

Advanced Usage

• "Forewarned is forearmed": This is a common proverb meaning that if you know about a problem or danger in advance, you can prepare for it and be better equipped to handle it.
  • He read the competitor's market analysis; forewarned is forearmed.

Variants and Related Words

• Forewarning (noun): An advance warning.
  • The dark clouds were a forewarning of the storm.

Synonyms

• Alert: To warn someone of a immediate or specific danger.
• Caution: To advise someone to be careful.
• Admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly (often for a past or potential fault).

Related Phrases

• To give fair warning: To warn someone adequately in advance, similar to forewarn but sometimes less formal.
  • I'm giving you fair warning: this medicine tastes terrible.

Verb

1. warn in advance or beforehand; give an early warning
   • I forewarned him of the trouble that would arise if he showed up at his ex-wife's house