- 1[transitive, intransitive] to tell someone about something, especially something dangerous or unpleasant that is likely to happen, so that they can avoid it warn somebody I tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. If you're thinking of getting a dog, be warned— they take a lot of time and money. warn (somebody) about/against somebody/something He warned us against pickpockets. warn (somebody) of something Police have warned of possible delays. warn (somebody) that… She was warned that if she did it again she would lose her job. warn somebody what, how, etc… I had been warned what to expect. warn (somebody) + speech “Beware of pickpockets,” she warned (him).
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- 2[intransitive, transitive] to strongly advise someone to do or not to do something in order to avoid danger or punishment synonym advise warn (somebody) against/about something The guidebook warns against walking alone at night. warn somebody (to do something) He warned Billy to keep away from his daughter. They were warned not to climb the mountain in such bad weather. “I'm warning you!” said James, losing his patience.
- 3[transitive] warn somebody (for something) (in sports, etc.) to give someone an official warning after they have broken a rule The referee warned him for dangerous play. Phrasal Verbswarn off
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NAmE//wɔrn//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they warn he / she / it warns
past simple warned
-ing form warning
Check pronunciation: warn