forewarn

IPA/fɔːˈwɔːn/
KK[fɔrwˈɔrn]IPA/fɔːrˈwɔːrn/

forewarn — verb

  • forewarnpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • forewarnshe / she / it
  • forewarnedpast simple
  • forewarning-ing form

1. to give someone an early warning that trouble, danger, or some other unwanted ev

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to give someone an early warning that trouble, danger, or some other unwanted event is on its way

Example

The ranger forewarned the campers about loose rocks above the narrow trail.

forewarn + object + about + danger

Eitan's dentist forewarned him that his mouth would stay numb for hours.

forewarn + object + that-clause

Common collocations
  • forewarn of danger
  • forewarn about delays
  • be fully forewarned
  • forewarn staff
  • forewarn residents
Synonyms
  • warn

    The usual everyday verb; less formal and more common in speech

  • alert

    Sounds more urgent and often points to immediate danger

  • notify

    Neutral information-giving without the idea of risk

Antonyms
  • surprise

    To let an event catch someone unprepared instead of warning them early

Grammar Patterns

forewarn + object + of/about + trouble

forewarn + object + that-clause

be forewarned that-clause

Usage Note

Often used in formal writing, public notices, and storytelling rather than in casual speech. It usually names the coming trouble with of/about or a that-clause, and it stresses that the warning arrives early enough for preparation.

Common Mistakes

The guide forewarned about the storm.
The guide forewarned us about the storm.
This verb usually needs the person receiving the warning as a direct object.
I was forewarned for the delays.
I was forewarned about the delays.
Use 'about' or 'of' before the problem, not 'for'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Forewarn means giving a warning before the trouble arrives, with enough time for someone to prepare. Warn is the normal everyday choice and fits most situations. Alert sounds more urgent and often suggests that danger is already close or unfolding. Notify only means to inform someone and does not itself suggest risk. Caution focuses on advising careful behaviour rather than on the early timing of the message. A school might forewarn parents about a bus strike the night before. A smoke alarm alerts people when there is already danger in the building. A bank notifies customers of a policy change, and a coach cautions players against returning too soon after an injury.

warn ↗alert ↗notify ↗caution ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • be forewarned
  • forewarn in time

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Forewarn was formed in English by adding the prefix fore-, meaning 'before', to warn. The second part comes from Old English warnian, a verb about taking heed and giving notice of danger. Together they created a verb for warning someone early, before the bad event actually arrives.