warn

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warn / wôrn/ • v. inform someone in advance of an impending or possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation: [tr.] his father had warned him of what might happen | [with direct speech] “He's going to humiliate you,” John warned | the union warned that its members were close to going on strike. ∎  give someone forceful or cautionary advice about their actions or conduct: [tr.] friends warned her against the marriage | [tr.] they warned people not to keep large amounts of cash in their homes | [intr.] they warned against false optimism. PHRASAL VERBS: warn someone off tell someone forcefully or threateningly to go away or stay. ∎  advise someone forcefully against (a particular thing or course of action): he has been warned off booze.DERIVATIVES: warn·er n.

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