beware
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Usage
What does beware mean? Beware means be careful or cautious—watch out for danger or other bad stuff. Beware is a command (or at least a suggestion). Sometimes, it’s used by itself, as in Beware! There are dark forces afoot! More commonly, it’s immediately followed by the specific thing you should beware of, as in Beware the words of politicians. Perhaps most commonly, it’s paired with the word of, such as on a sign that says Beware of cat. (You thought we were going to say Beware of dog, didn’t you? Stay alert, folks. Beware a wily dictionary.)Example: Before you enter the internet, there should be a sign that says “Beware of trolls.”
Etymology
Origin of beware
1150–1200; Middle English, from phrase of warning be ware. See be, ware 2
Explanation
To beware is to be cautious and on your guard. The riskier the situation, the more you need to beware. A "Beware of the dog" sign means there's a dog in the house who doesn't care for visitors or new people. When you beware, you become very cautious. You look both ways and use extreme caution. This word can be remembered if you break it into two parts: to beware is the same as "to be wary." When you're wary, you're concerned and careful. People in dangerous jobs like the police and fire department need to beware every day.
Vocabulary lists containing beware
"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act I
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"Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll
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myPerspectives 6.4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When it comes to choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, now more than ever, buyers must beware.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026
But things change, and beware of Matsumoto, the pitcher.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
"So drivers beware, within the next 10 to 12 days we could be seeing record prices at the pumps."
From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026
The run-up to the year-end holiday period has come with big gains for precious metals, but one UBS strategist says investor beware.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025
Tyrants beware, I thought as I put it in my pocket.
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
