forewarn

[ fawr-wawrn, fohr- ]

/ fɔrˈwɔrn, foʊr- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR forewarn ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to warn in advance.

Nearby words

Origin of forewarn

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

SYNONYMS FOR forewarn

caution, admonish, alert, prewarn, tip off.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR forewarn ON THESAURUS.COM

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for forewarned

However, be forewarned that I too ride a Harley today—a vintage Springer Softail chopper.
A Few Good Books for Dads|John Elder Robison|June 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Be forewarned, it's perhaps the most upsetting thing you'll ever read.
The Prosecution Rests in the Gosnell Trial|Justin Green|April 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But be forewarned, dear reader: this is a complicated gesture, one that might lead some people to court and others to jail.
If You’re Hunting for Forrest Fenn’s Buried Treasure, Start Here|Tony Doukopil|March 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Jace Lacob has the best moments from the last five seasons, but be forewarned: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD!
Big Love's 12 Most Memorable Moments|Jace Lacob|March 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The family was forewarned that Tallulah was anxious to visit Ford County and see her new in-laws.
John Grisham's Debut Short Story|John Grisham|October 26, 2009|DAILY BEAST
This time, Europe served as the main target of the celestial projectiles, and observers were numerous and forewarned.
A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century|Agnes M. (Agnes Mary) Clerke
On our arrival in the country we were forewarned of the danger by the French resident magistrate of the province.
Indo-China and Its Primitive People|Henry Baudesson
To be forewarned is to be forearmed, let us look out for this, expect it, then we shall not be afraid to meet it.
The Discipline of War|John Hasloch Potter
Eugene, having been forewarned by Carlotta, took it with a show of polite surprise.
The "Genius"|Theodore Dreiser
If nobody had noticed the arrangements for this new experiment so far; why should anybody be forewarned?
The Brain|Alexander Blade

British Dictionary definitions for forewarned

forewarn

/ (fɔːˈwɔːn) /

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