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

But things change, and beware of Matsumoto, the pitcher.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Fliers beware: It looks like flights will keep getting more expensive and harder to find, even after this week.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Plus, beware extra-long security lines and rising airfares.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

"So drivers beware, within the next 10 to 12 days we could be seeing record prices at the pumps."

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Tyrants beware, I thought as I put it in my pocket.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• heed
• take care