heed

[ heed ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give careful attention to:

   He did not heed the warning.

   Synonyms: mark, consider, observe, note

   Antonyms: ignore, disregard

verb (used without object)

1. to give attention; have regard.

noun

1. careful attention; notice; observation (usually with give or take ).

   Synonyms: watchfulness, vigilance, caution, care, consideration

heed

/ hiːd /

noun

1. close and careful attention; notice (often in the phrases give, pay, or take heed )

verb

1. to pay close attention to (someone or something)

Derived Forms

• ˈheedful, adjective
• ˈheeder, noun
• ˈheedfulness, noun
• ˈheedfully, adverb

Other Words From

• heeder noun
• un·heeded adjective
• un·heeded·ly adverb
• un·heeding adjective
• un·heeding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heed¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English heden, Old English hēdan; cognate with German hüten “to guard, protect”; akin to hood ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of heed¹

Old English hēdan; related to Old Saxon hōdian, Old High German huoten

Example Sentences

When it comes to educating our children, Congress should heed that message, not ignore it.

From The Daily Beast

But now, Obama should heed his call for a ‘service year’ and get on board.

From The Daily Beast

TMZ should show some decency and heed the plea Krizya Fuqua.

From The Daily Beast

Failing that, Hillary Clinton should heed his findings about wealth and inequality—and take on the crisis head on.

From The Daily Beast

I texted him that I would heed his advice and schedule an appointment with the specialist.

From The Daily Beast

The man that giveth heed to lying visions, is like to him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.

From Project Gutenberg

But she was young enough and pretty enough to pay little heed to pose or background.

From Project Gutenberg

She waved a dissenting hand, and went on, paying no further heed to their renewed cries which sought to detain her.

From Project Gutenberg

He gave little heed to the play; his thoughts were elsewhere, and, while they rambled, his eyes wandered round the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Do not heed the Governor-Generalʼs decree, calling you to arms, even though it cost you your lives.

From Project Gutenberg