forewarn

[fawr-wawrn, fohr-]

See more synonyms for forewarn on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to warn in advance.

Origin of forewarn

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

Related formsfore·warn·er, nounfore·warn·ing·ly, adverbun·fore·warned, adjectivewell-fore·warned, adjective

Synonyms for forewarn

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caution, admonish, alert, prewarn, tip off.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for forewarn

dissuade, admonish, apprise, alarm, tip, portend, flag, advise, alert, telegraph, premonish

Examples from the Web for forewarn

Historical Examples of forewarn

What when they send portents to forewarn the states of Hellas?
The Memorabilia
Xenophon
I left her a short distance from the camp that I might go and forewarn Eric.
Lords of the North
A. C. Laut
I forewarn you that people are not in the habit of fighting duels here.
The Man With The Broken Ear
Edmond About
I now forewarn you that it may hereafter become the seat of war, when you will have your day.
The Hour and the Man
Harriet Martineau
I forewarn you that I become incensed when I am made a subject of ridicule.
Louis XIV., Makers of History Series
John S. C. Abbott

British Dictionary definitions for forewarn

forewarn

verb

(tr) to warn beforehand

Derived Formsforewarner, nounforewarningly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for forewarn

early 14c., from fore- + warn. Related: Forewarned; forewarning.