warn definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

warn [ wawrn ] (past and past participle warned, present participle warn·ing, 3rd person present singular warns)

verb

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb tell somebody of risk: to tell somebody about something that might cause injury or harm

2. transitive verb tell somebody in advance: to tell somebody about something in advance

3. transitive verb advise somebody against something: to advise somebody against a potentially risky or damaging course of action

The doctor warned him against traveling.

were warned against complacency

[ Old English war(e)nian< Germanic, "be cautious"]

warn·er noun

Spelling Note


	warn or worn? Do not confuse the spelling of warn and worn, which sound similar. Warn is a verb meaning "tell somebody about something that may cause injury or harm": I warned them not to set sail. Worn is the past participle of the verb wear or an adjective derived from this, as in clothes that are worn for comfort rather than fashion, worn down by rubbing, worn out after a hard day's work.