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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | warnian |
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warn S3 W2
[intransitive and transitive]
[intransitive and transitive]1 to tell someone that something bad or dangerous may happen, so that they can avoid it or prevent it : 
'Be careful, the rocks are slippery,' Alex warned.
'Be careful, the rocks are slippery,' Alex warned. warn somebody about something Travellers to Africa are being warned about the danger of HIV infection.
Travellers to Africa are being warned about the danger of HIV infection. warn somebody (not) to do something I warned you not to walk home alone. Motorists are being warned to avoid the centre of London this weekend.
I warned you not to walk home alone.Motorists are being warned to avoid the centre of London this weekend.2 to tell someone about something before it happens so that they are not worried or surprised by it
warn somebody (that) Warn her you're going to be back late.
Warn her you're going to be back late.warn (somebody) against something
phrasal verbHer financial adviser warned her against such a risky investment. warn (somebody) against doing something The police have warned tourists against leaving the main tourist centres.
The police have warned tourists against leaving the main tourist centres.warn somebody ↔ away
phrasal verbThe snake's markings are intended to warn away predators.warn sb↔ off
phrasal verb1 to tell people that they should not go near something, especially because it might be dangerous : Some animals mark their territory to warn off rivals.
Some animals mark their territory to warn off rivals.2 especially British English to tell someone that they should not do or use something because it might be dangerous
warn somebody off doing something Doctors should have warned people off using the drug much earlier than they did.
Doctors should have warned people off using the drug much earlier than they did.