forewarn

[ fawr-wawrn, fohr- ]
See synonyms for forewarn on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to warn in advance.

Origin of forewarn

1
First recorded in 1300–50, forewarn is from the Middle English word forwarnen.See fore-, warn

Other words for forewarn

Other words from forewarn

  • fore·warn·er, noun
  • fore·warn·ing·ly, adverb
  • un·fore·warned, adjective
  • well-fore·warned, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use forewarn in a sentence

  • In diabetes its presence is a grave symptom and often forewarns of approaching coma.

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
  • Another prophecy forewarns of the "peace and safety" cry that is to be heard as the end draws near.

    Our Day | W. A. Spicer
  • Every false step forewarns all against itself; and great is their fall who stumble.

    Social Life | Maud C. Cooke
  • It also indicates great losses, and forewarns you of beggary and a prison.

    The Spirit Land | Samuel B. (Samuel Bulfinch) Emmons
  • It forewarns the traveller of his approach to the habitations, the business, and the comforts of his civilized fellow-creatures.

British Dictionary definitions for forewarn

forewarn

/ (fɔːˈwɔːn) /


verb
  1. (tr) to warn beforehand

Derived forms of forewarn

  • forewarner, noun
  • forewarningly, 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