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to prewarn

to prewarn

1 4.2
To tell people about a possible danger before it happens
  • verb
  • /priːˈwɔrn/
translation icon : preavisar
  • Please prewarn me about any changes.

Examples

  • The emergency team is prewarning villagers of the expected flood so they can evacuate early.

  • Authorities will prewarn residents if severe weather is approaching the area.

  • Teachers often prewarn students about upcoming tests to help them prepare.

  • The teacher prewarned the students about the test.

  • The teacher decided to prewarn the students about the upcoming test to help them prepare.

  • It is important to prewarn your family about the storm so they can take safety precautions.

  • Before the event, the organizer will prewarn guests about any potential hazards on the venue.

Synonyms

to warn
vsto prewarn
1.0

Tell someone about possible danger so they can be careful

gives notice before the danger, problem, or event
to caution
vsto prewarn
92 3.0

To warn someone about danger or problems

gives advance notice rather than general advice
to forewarn
vsto prewarn
14 4.8

Tell someone about possible danger before it happens

is broader and also covers advance notice about problems or events
to previse
vsto prewarn
  • Archaic
9.9

To tell someone about something before it happens

focuses specifically on advance alerts about danger, problems, or events

How Early

to prewarn
1 4.2
to warn
1.0
to notify
  • Formal
367 3.1
to mention
1.0

Surface Forms

prewarn infinitive
prewarned past
prewarned past participle
prewarning present participle
prewarns third person singular

Morphology

prewarn = warn (transparent) = pre + warn

The meaning is directly predictable from 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'warn', namely 'warn beforehand'.

Etymology

The word prewarn puts pre- meaning 'before' in front of warn, which is 'to tell someone about danger', just like in preview or prepare. So to prewarn someone is to warn them 'before' something happens so they have time to act.