warn

/wɔ:n/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
warn

The teacher warns the class about the upcoming test.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To inform someone in advance about a possible danger, problem, or unpleasant situation: To give notice or advice so that someone can be prepared or avoid something negative.
    • To strongly advise someone to do or not to do something: To counsel or admonish someone regarding their behavior or a course of action.
    • To tell someone to go away or to keep away from something: To give a caution to leave a place or stop an activity.
Examples of Usage
  • Verb:
    • The weather service warned residents of the approaching hurricane.
    • I must warn you that the road ahead is very icy.
    • The sign warns people not to swim here because of strong currents.
    • She warned her brother against trusting strangers online.
Advanced Usage
  • "to warn someone off": to tell someone forcefully to go away or to keep away from a place or person.
    • The farmer warned the hikers off his private land.
  • "to warn against": to advise someone not to do something because it is dangerous or a bad idea.
    • Financial advisors often warn against making impulsive investments.
Variants and Related Words
  • Warner (noun): A person or thing that warns.
    • The smoke detector is an essential fire warner.
  • Warning (noun): A statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.
    • He ignored all the warnings and went out in the storm.
  • Forewarn (verb): To warn someone of a danger or problem before it happens.
    • To forewarn is to forearm.
Synonyms
  • Alert: To warn someone of a immediate danger or problem.
  • Caution: To advise someone to be careful.
  • Admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly, often about their behavior.
  • Notify: To inform someone of something, typically in a formal or official manner.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Warn off: To tell someone to stay away, often to avoid danger or trouble.
    • The guard dog's barking was enough to warn off any intruders.
  • Warn about: To give information concerning a specific danger or problem.
    • The manual warns about the risks of improper use.
Related Idioms
  • A word to the wise (is enough): A phrase implying that a hint or brief warning is sufficient for an intelligent person.
    • I'll just say it's not a good investmenta word to the wise.
  • Sound the alarm: To give a warning about a serious problem or danger.
    • Scientists continue to sound the alarm about climate change.
warn

The teacher warns the class about the upcoming test.

Verb
  1. notify, usually in advance
    • I warned you that I would ask some difficult questions
  2. ask to go away
    • The old man warned the children off his property
  3. admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
    • I warned him not to go too far
    • I warn you against false assumptions
    • She warned him to be quiet
  4. notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
    • The director warned him that he might be fired
    • The doctor warned me about the dangers of smoking