warn — to tell someone about possible danger or problems
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to tell someone about possible danger or problems
Pronunciation (IPA): /wɔːrn/
Example Sentences
- My mom warned me that eating too much pizza would turn me into a pizza slice.
- The weather forecast warned of heavy rain this weekend.
- I should have warned you that my cooking tastes like a science experiment gone wrong.
warn
VERB[/wɔːrn/]
to tell someone about possible danger or problems

to tell someone about possible danger or problems

The horn will warn ships with sails torn!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'wearnian', meaning 'to caution' or 'to make aware'. It shares a common Germanic root with German 'warnen', indicating an ancient Proto-Germanic origin related to awareness and vigilance.
Breakdown
Old English 'wearnian' simplified to 'warn' through phonetic reduction. The original form 'wearnian' contained a causative suffix (-ian) that was lost in Middle English, leaving the root 'warn-' (to make cautious).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom warned me that eating too much pizza would turn me into a pizza slice.”
“The weather forecast warned of heavy rain this weekend.”
“I should have warned you that my cooking tastes like a science experiment gone wrong.”
“The sign warns drivers to slow down in the construction zone.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.