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Definition of beware

beware

/bɪˈwɛər/
be · ware
Adverb:warily
•
Adjective:wary
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beware Lexical Profile

beware Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be cautious and alert to risks or dangers (used chiefly in the imperative or infinitive, often followed by "of").

Example

"Hikers were advised to beware of loose rocks along the steep mountain trail."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for beware

Word Nuance & Usage

"Beware" is a defective verb used almost exclusively in the imperative ("Beware of the dog") and infinitive ("He told us to beware") forms; inflected forms such as "bewares", "bewared", and "bewaring" are archaic and unidiomatic in modern English.

• Rhymes for beware

• Nearby Words

bevel
beverage
bevy
beware
bewhiskered
bewilder
bewilderedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English around 1300 by fusing the two-word phrase "be ware" ("be cautious" or "be on guard"), where "ware" derives from Old English "wær" (cautious, prudent), a cognate of "aware" and "wary".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Beware. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/beware
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