warn

Everyday

1. To warn someone means to tell them about a danger or problem before it happens, so they can be careful or avoid it. tree →
2. To warn someone to do or not to do something means to strongly advise them. tree →
3. To warn can mean to tell someone what will happen if they keep doing something wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons warnings save lives: warning signs (yellow triangles, «Danger», «Keep out»), warning labels on chemicals and medicines, alarms that warn of fire or smoke, and shouting to warn people. In nature, bright colours warn that an animal is poisonous (like wasp stripes), and animals give warning sounds (a dog's growl, a rattlesnake's rattle). In stories a warning often comes before trouble, and characters who ignore it get into danger. Phrases: warn someone about, warn someone not to, warning sign, without warning, a final warning.

Examples

• The sign warned us that the ice was thin. tree →
• Mum warned me not to touch the hot oven. tree →
• The smoke alarm warns you if there is a fire. tree →
• The teacher gave him a warning for talking. tree →
• A growling dog is warning you to stay away. tree →
• The storm came without warning. tree →
• I warned my friend about the broken step. tree →
• Read the warning label before using any cleaning spray. tree →
• "Don't go to Paris!" the old clergyman warned her. tree →

Note

Regular verb: warned. Not the same as «worn» (from wear), which sounds similar in many accents. Patterns: «warn someone about/of something» and «warn someone (not) to do something». A warning is a chance to stay safe, so take it seriously.

In Jewish tradition

Often means a prophet or watchman giving people notice of danger or of God's judgment so they can change course. In the Psalm, God's commands are said to warn the one who follows them.

Interpretation. Tradition sees the prophet as a watchman whose duty is to warn, and those who are warned and listen can escape punishment. The Torah's commandments themselves are read as a loving warning.

Examples

• Moreover by them is Thy servant warned; in keeping of them there is great reward. (Writings PSA.19.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• if, when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the horn, and warn the people; (Prophets EZK.33.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of; and he guarded himself there, not once nor twice. (Prophets 2KI.6.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: warned. Not the same as «worn» (from wear), which sounds similar in many accents. Patterns: «warn someone about/of something» and «warn someone (not) to do something». A warning is a chance to stay safe, so take it seriously.