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Definition of forewarn

forewarn

/fɔːrˈwɔːrn/
fore · warn
Adjective:forewarned
•
Past Simple:forewarned
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Past Participle:forewarned
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Present Participle:forewarning
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forewarn Lexical Profile

forewarn Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To inform or alert someone in advance of a possible danger, problem, or unpleasant situation.

Example

"The meteorologists sought to forewarn coastal residents about the approaching hurricane several days before landfall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for forewarn
Antonyms
View all antonyms for forewarn

Word Nuance & Usage

Because the verb 'warn' already implies alerting someone prior to an event, 'forewarn' is specifically used when emphasizing advance preparation or in the proverb 'forewarned is forearmed.'

• Rhymes for forewarn

• Nearby Words

forethought
forever
forevermore
forewarn
forewarning
forewoman
foreword

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as forewarnen, combining the prefix fore- ('beforehand') with warnen, from Old English warnian ('to take heed' or 'to give notice of danger').

Cite this Entry

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