verb
warn
WAWN
verb
1
To alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen.
"The forecast warned residents of an approaching storm."
"She warned him not to trust the offer."
2
To advise someone against a particular course of action or behaviour.
"The coach warned the team about complacency after their winning streak."
How to Use Warn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone about a danger or problem ahead of time so they can avoid it.
Common mistake
Use "warn someone of/about something", not "warn something to someone."
Common pairings
warn against
warn of danger
duly warned
Word Forms
warned past tense, Warns plural, warns singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “warn”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The forecast _____ residents of an approaching storm.
Etymology
From Old English warnian ("to take heed, to warn"), from a Germanic root meaning "to be aware" or "give heed."