forewarn

[fawr-wawrn, fohr-]

verb (used with object)

1. to warn in advance.

   Synonyms: prewarn, alert, admonish, caution

forewarn

/ fɔːˈwɔːn /

verb

1. (tr) to warn beforehand

Other Word Forms

• forewarningly adverb
• forewarner noun
• unforewarned adjective
• well-forewarned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forewarn¹

First recorded in 1300–50, forewarn is from the Middle English word forwarnen. See fore-, warn

Example Sentences

The best bet is that they’re coming back, so consider this a forewarning.

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It may be best to roll it out slowly, with trial periods and plenty of forewarning to markets.

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Because the U.S. and Israel had forewarning, the attack resulted in little damage and no loss of life.

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Be forewarned that the notifications are not 100% accurate; drivers will occasional mark a package delivered prematurely, then bring it to your doorstep a day or two later.

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More than one million Palestinians, in response to Israeli orders, have evacuated Rafah to areas that have "almost no infrastructure, no sanitation, no water, no commercial centers" and have since been attacked "without forewarning."

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Related Words

• admonish 
• apprise 
• dissuade