warning signal
5
3.2
- noun
- /ˈwɔrnɪŋ ˈsɪɡnəl/
:
señal de advertencia
- There had been no shortage of warning signals since the late 1980s about a coming political earthquake in Yugoslavia with an epicenter in Serbia.
- an early warning signal
- send warning signals
- sound a warning signal
Presence acts like an early warning signal so that I start to recognize I get the cues if I'm getting activated and I can then take steps to address that.
- Presence acts like an early warning signal so that I start to recognize I get the cues if I'm getting activated and I can then take steps to address that.
- And so I think that it's a warning signal to try to do as Jake has done in his talk and his reporting.
Examples
-
Leaders who repress it may miss legitimate warning signals.
Blog text (23) -
I've received a warning signal from an automated defense system.
-
We got a warning signal from the security system.
-
There seems to be no such warning signal for companies.
Blog text (2) -
Also, it acts as a warning signal.
Fiction book (2001) -
Goulding offers one example that might serve as an early warning signal.
Academic text (2011) -
Overall, the spending pattern is a warning signal that we need to refocus.
Blog text (17) -
At the grade where the rails cross the road, the warning signal clangs and flashes red.
Fiction book (1991) -
Lovejoy says that the World Bank study, "the first to model what the forest itself experiences, namely climate change, deforestation, and fire all together," sends "a huge warning signal that the Amazon needs to be managed as a system."
Academic text (2011) -
The alarm is a critical warning signal that alerts us to potential danger.
Synonyms
842
1.0
A device that makes a loud sound to warn or wake people
297
2.8
A warning that something dangerous or important may happen
259
2.9
A machine that makes a loud wailing sound to warn people
77
3.6
A sign that shows a problem or danger in a situation
54
1.6
Something that shows there may be danger or a problem
37
3.1
A signal sent by a ship, plane, or person asking for emergency help
31
1.0
A loud signal that warns people there is a fire or smoke
9
3.0
A device that makes a loud noise when someone breaks into a house or shop
7
2.2
A bell that rings to warn people of danger or an emergency
7
3.2
A light that turns on in vehicles or machines to show a problem
3
7.8
A quiet signal to warn, greet, or recognize someone
1
3.8
A message shown by lights, signs or gestures to give people information
1
9.9
A loud sound that warns people there is danger
1
3.7
A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger
1
3.7
A sign that something dangerous may happen
1
3.5
A sign that tells people about a possible problem
A warning sign that a strong storm is coming
A sound that seems to warn that trouble is coming
How Urgent
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'warning' (an alert to danger) plus 'signal' (a sound or visual cue), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a cue that warns of danger or requires urgent attention. This is a literal, cross-linguistically common combination rather than an idiomatic shift, making the phrase immediately comprehensible.
Etymology
The phrase warning signal comes from the simple image of a loud horn or bright flashing light: the sound or light is the signal and it is used for warning people of danger. So today a 'warning signal' means any sound or sight that tells people there is 'danger' or that they must act fast.