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Definition warn in British English

warn verb

[intransitive/transitive] verb
/wɔː(r)n/

Ways of warning someone

the most usual and general way of warning someone

a formal way of warning people, often used on written signs

a way of warning someone that is often used before someone leaves to go somewhere

a way of warning someone that there is something dangerous nearby

a way of warning someone when they are in immediate danger

used for telling someone to do something carefully and gently, especially when they are moving something large or heavy

a way of warning someone to be careful and not to take risks

Examples:

Be careful with that teapot – it’s fragile.

Beware of the dog.

Take care on your way home. ♦ Have a safe journey – mind how you go.

Mind your head on that lamp! ♦ Mind you don’t spill coffee on the carpet!

Watch out! There’s a car coming! ♦ Watch yourself! There’s broken glass everywhere! ♦ Look out! It’s going to fall!

Easy does it! This old cabinet was my grandfather’s. ♦ Steady! You can’t lift that table on your own. You’ll hurt yourself.

Make sure you take a torch with you. You can’t be too careful, you know.

1

to make someone conscious of a possible problem or danger so that they will not be hurt

Example

Police are warning all women in the area to take extra care when going out alone.

Example

Recent studies warn against drinking too much caffeine.

Example

Travel agents are not warning tourists about the dangers of crime in holiday resorts.

Example

Scientists warned of the threat to beaches and rivers from pollution.

Example

The report warns that consumers could end up paying higher prices.

Synonyms and related words
2

to tell someone that they will be punished or that something bad will happen if they do something

Example

I warned you not to go to that party last night.

Synonyms and related words
Definition warn in British English