forewarn
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of forewarn
First recorded in 1300–50, forewarn is from the Middle English word forwarnen. See fore-, warn
Explanation
When you forewarn your friend about the pop quiz in math, you let her know beforehand that it's happening. You should forewarn your friends about the highway construction that might slow them down when they come to visit you, and you could forewarn your shy exchange student that your dad likes to interrogate people at the dinner table. The verb forewarn combines fore, as in "before" or "early," with warn, "inform of danger or problems." You may have heard of the proverb "forewarned is forearmed," which means you're at an advantage if you know what's coming in advance.
Vocabulary lists containing forewarn
Dear Martin
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
And Then There Were None
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell earlier this week also outlined the longer-term shifts that may forewarn a long period of elevated interest rates and inflation that responds only slowly to the Fed's restrictive policy.
From Reuters • Dec. 2, 2022
We constantly tried to forewarn our partners — but for the most part, they thought it was an exaggeration, an example of Russophobia.
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2022
Businesses that didn’t forewarn customers should attempt to reach out, by forwarding a company phone to a cell phone, for example, or using a mobile phone as a hot spot for an internet connection.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2021
“The administration can’t say I didn’t forewarn them,” Lozano said this week as he sat in his office in front of a framed antique Texas flag.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2021
She seemed to always have premonitions of their coming and would forewarn my father.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
