warn

Meanings

1. To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:
2. To make (someone) aware of impending danger, evil, etc.
3. To notify or inform (someone, about something).
4. To summon (someone) to or inform of a formal meeting or duty.
5. To make a sound (e.g. clicking or whirring) indicating that it is about to strike or chime (an hour).
6. To caution or admonish (someone) against unwise or unacceptable behaviour.
7. To advise or order to go or stay away.
8. To give warning.

1. A surname.

Etymology

From Middle English warnen, warnien (“to warn; admonish”), from Old English warnian (“to take heed; warn”), from Proto-Germanic *warnōną (“to warn; take heed”), from Proto-Indo-European *wer- (“to be aware; give heed”). Cognate with Dutch waarnen (obsolete), German Low German warnen, German warnen, Swedish varna, Icelandic varna.