beware

American  

[bih-wair] / bɪˈwɛər /

verb (used with object)

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

   Beware such inconsistency. Beware his waspish wit.

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verb (used without object)

1. to be cautious or careful.

   Beware of the dog.

beware British  

/ bɪˈwɛə /

verb

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

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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

Example Sentences

“But buyer beware: The data that you may be licensing might already be subject to copyright.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The IRS’s criminal-investigation wing routinely tells tax filers to beware of preparers who promise big refunds or take a cut of their clients’ refunds as payment.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

At home, he warned citizens to beware of extreme partisanship.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Pro tip: If you’ll be traveling by train, beware the unexpected challenge of many, many stairs at the stations.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

“You’ll do well, Percy. Just remember your strengths and beware your weaknesses.”

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• heed
• take care