warning Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a message informing of danger
   
   • a warning that still more bombs could explode
2. noun cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness)
   monition; admonition; word of advice.
   
   • a letter of admonition about the dangers of immorality
   • the warning was to beware of surprises
   • his final word of advice was not to play with matches
3. noun notification of something, usually in advance
   
   • they gave little warning of their arrival
   • she had only had four days' warning before leaving Berlin
4. verb notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
   warn.
   
   • The director warned him that he might be fired
   • The doctor warned me about the dangers of smoking
5. verb admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
   warn; admonish; discourage; monish.
   
   • I warned him not to go too far
   • I warn you against false assumptions
   • She warned him to be quiet
6. verb ask to go away
   warn.
   
   • The old man warned the children off his property
7. verb notify, usually in advance
   warn.
   
   • I warned you that I would ask some difficult questions
8. adjective satellite serving to warn
   admonitory; exemplary; cautionary; monitory.
   
   • shook a monitory finger at him
   • an exemplary jail sentence

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