forewarn

[ fawr-wawrn, fohr- ]

/ fɔrˈwɔrn, foʊr- /

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See synonyms for: forewarn / forewarned / forewarning on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to warn in advance.

OTHER WORDS FOR forewarn

caution, admonish, alert, prewarn, tip off.

See synonyms for forewarn on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of forewarn

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

OTHER WORDS FROM forewarn

fore·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. 2023

How to use forewarn in a sentence

Be forewarned, however, that the resulting report won’t necessarily capture everything you want.
Chrome 88 Adds to Core Web Vitals DevTools|Detlef Johnson|January 22, 2021|Search Engine Land
Election officials have forewarned that votes may take several days to count—especially those in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where mail-in ballots can’t be processed until the morning of Election Day.
What you can expect from TV news today|Aric Jenkins|November 3, 2020|Fortune
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
Well, forewarned was forearmed, Varney told himself as he walked back to the house.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
The chemist should have been forewarned but the bottom of the boat was dry and he had implicit faith in his own judgment.
The Missing Formula|Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
Yes, but I forewarned you that your own house would come down upon your head.
L. Annaeus Seneca On Benefits|Seneca
On two occasions armed men lay in ambush for the purpose of shooting Colonel Birney, but he was forewarned.
Belford's Magazine, Vol. II, No. 3, February 1889|Various
Baldur the Good had dreams which forewarned him that his life was in danger, and he told the gods of them.
Folk-Lore and Legends; Scandinavian|Various

British Dictionary definitions for forewarn

forewarn

/ (fɔːˈwɔːn) /

verb

(tr) to warn beforehand

Derived forms of forewarn

forewarner, 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

forewarn

OTHER WORDS FOR forewarn

Origin of forewarn

OTHER WORDS FROM forewarn

Words related to forewarn

How to use forewarn in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for forewarn

Derived forms of forewarn