warn definition

1. notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
• examples: The director warned him that he might be fired
• examples: The doctor warned me about the dangers of smoking
2. admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
• examples: I warned him not to go too far
• examples: I warn you against false assumptions
• examples: She warned him to be quiet
3. ask to go away
• examples: The old man warned the children off his property
4. notify, usually in advance
• examples: I warned you that I would ask some difficult questions