warn^*wɔrn(v.t.)

1. to give notice, advice, or intimation to (a person, group, etc.) of impending danger, possible harm, or the like.

2. to urge or advise to be careful; caution:

   to warn a careless driver.

3. to admonish or exhort, as to action or conduct.

4. to notify; inform:

   to warn a person of an intended visit.

5. to notify to go away, keep at a distance, etc. (often fol. by away, off, etc.):

   A sign warned boats away from the island.

6. to order; summon:

   to warn a person to appear in court.

7. (v.i.)to give a warning; caution.

^* Syn: warn , caution , admonish imply attempting to prevent someone from running into danger or unpleasant circumstances. To warn is to inform plainly and strongly of possible or imminent trouble, or to advise that doing or not doing something will have dangerous consequences: The scout warned the fort of the attack. I warned them not to travel to that country. To caution is to advise to be careful and to take necessary precautions: Tourists were cautioned to watch their belongings. To admonish is to advise of negligence or a fault in an earnest, authoritative, but friendly way, so that corrective action can be taken: to admonish a student for constant lateness.

Origin of warn:

bef. 1000; ME; OE warnian, c. MLG warnen,

warn′er(n.)