forewarn

[ fawr-wawrn, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to warn in advance.

   Synonyms: prewarn, alert, admonish, caution

forewarn

/ fɔːˈwɔːn /

verb

1. tr to warn beforehand

Derived Forms

• foreˈwarningly, adverb
• foreˈwarner, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of forewarn¹

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

Example Sentences

Because the U.S. and Israel had forewarning, the attack resulted in little damage and no loss of life.

From Salon

Be forewarned that the notifications are not 100% accurate; drivers will occasional mark a package delivered prematurely, then bring it to your doorstep a day or two later.

From Los Angeles Times

More than one million Palestinians, in response to Israeli orders, have evacuated Rafah to areas that have "almost no infrastructure, no sanitation, no water, no commercial centers" and have since been attacked "without forewarning."

From Salon

But be forewarned, you might want to start watching your local NBC affiliate about 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the race, just to be safe.

From Los Angeles Times

His voice is calm yet forewarning, like thunder from a storm that hasn’t hit yet.

From Literature

Related Words

• admonish
• apprise
• dissuade
• tip off