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

WordNet


Warn"ing adjective
Definitions
  1. Giving previous notice; cautioning; admonishing; as, a warning voice.
    That warning timepiece never ceased. Longfellow.
Warn"ing noun
Definitions
  1. Previous notice. "At a month's warning." Dryden.
    A great journey to take upon so short a warning. L'Estrange.
  2. Caution against danger, or against faults or evil practices which incur danger; admonition; monition.
    Could warning make the world more just or wise. Dryden.

Webster 1913