don't
- auxiliary
- /doʊnt/
- Informal
- Don't touch the stove because it is very hot.
Examples
-
If you don't understand the instructions, please ask for help.
-
Please don't make so much noise while others are working.
-
Don't go!
-
Please don't forget.
-
Don't touch the stove because it is very hot.
-
If you don't understand the instructions, please ask for help.
-
Please don't make so much noise while others are working.
Idioms
- Informal
Warn someone not to mention a topic because they talk a lot and get upset
- Archaic
To tell viewers or listeners to keep watching and not change the channel during a break in the show
- Offensive
Avoid mixing your personal life with your work life because it causes problems
- Informal
A warning not to talk about a subject because it may make people angry
Says that someone's application or request is rejected and ends the conversation
A dramatic way to tell people not to be sad when you leave, from the musical Evita
- Offensive
A joking way to say someone is not good enough to do something as a job
- Offensive
A joking saying that people of Asian background seem to stay looking young for a long time
- Informal
To stop being angry with someone but keep remembering what they did to avoid being hurt again
An informal phrase to show hope that something will happen if nothing goes wrong
- Offensive
A joking phrase that shows old ideas about how men should act
Compounds
- Specialized
A person who answers 'I don't know' to a question in a poll or survey
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Don't is a short form of do + not, with a small written mark called an apostrophe showing the missing letters. It is a quick way to say 'do not', so don't marks a negative sentence or tells someone not to do something.