beware

[bih-wair]

verb (used with object)

1. to be wary, cautious, or careful of (usually used imperatively).

   Beware such inconsistency. Beware his waspish wit.

verb (used without object)

1. to be cautious or careful.

   Beware of the dog.

beware

/ bɪˈwɛə /

verb

1. to be cautious or wary (of); be on one's guard (against)

Word History and Origins

Origin of beware¹

1150–1200; Middle English, from phrase of warning be ware. See be, ware ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of beware¹

C13 be war , from _be (imperative) + war _wary

Example Sentences

Her contribution is a reminder to beware the tendency among organizations—particularly technology-driven ones—to deem the unsafe perfectly safe.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But, bingers beware, you'll have to wait until Christmas Day for episodes five, six and seven.

Read more on BBC

But penny-pinchers beware: as businesses start rounding up prices, the move is expected to raise costs for shoppers.

Read more on BBC

But beware of the opportunity cost of having the best of the best.

Read more on MarketWatch

But beware: Officials have warned that recent changes to the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heed 
• take care 

When To Use

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.”