beware

American  

[bih-wair] / bɪˈwɛər /

verb (used with object)

1. to be wary, cautious, or careful of (usually used imperatively).

   Beware such inconsistency. Beware his waspish wit.

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verb (used without object)

1. to be cautious or careful.

   Beware of the dog.

beware British  

/ bɪˈwɛə /

verb

1. to be cautious or wary (of); be on one's guard (against)

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Usage

What does beware mean? Beware means be careful or cautious—watch out for danger or other bad stuff.Beware is a command (or at least a suggestion). Sometimes, it’s used by itself, as in Beware! There are dark forces afoot! More commonly, it’s immediately followed by the specific thing you should beware of, as in Beware the words of politicians. Perhaps most commonly, it’s paired with the word of, such as on a sign that says Beware of cat. (You thought we were going to say Beware of dog, didn’t you? Stay alert, folks. Beware a wily dictionary.)Example: Before you enter the internet, there should be a sign that says “Beware of trolls.”

Etymology

Origin of beware

1150–1200; Middle English, from phrase of warning be ware. See be, ware ²

Example Sentences

Given wild intraday market gyrations, to catch a market downswing you may have to act quickly—but beware: Hasty moves can lead to costly errors, says Ed Slott, president of Ed Slott & Co.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

She also excelled in the fast, showy aria in which she warns Dejanira to beware of jealousy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

"So, AI should beware - for this week's predictions I've been gazing at where his hut used to be and thinking 'what would Albert do?'"

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Just beware that it’s quite possible a practical gift can backfire.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

“Ayi, Kapu. You’ve never seen a man in all your life. What is it that tells you to beware? Some spirit of your ancestors that still dwells in your body?”

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Related Words

• heed
• take care