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Beware

 - 3 dictionary results

be⋅ware

[bi-wair]
–verb (used with object)
1. to be wary, cautious, or careful of (usually used imperatively): Beware such inconsistency. Beware his waspish wit.
–verb (used without object)
2. to be cautious or careful: Beware of the dog.

Origin:
1150–1200; ME, from phrase of warning be ware. See be, ware 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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be·ware   (bĭ-wâr')   
v.   be·wared, be·war·ing, be·wares

v.   tr.
To be on guard against; be cautious of: "Beware the ides of March" (Shakespeare).
v.   intr.
To be cautious; exert caution: We had to beware of the icy patches on the road. Beware of the dog.

[Middle English ben war : ben, to be; see be + war, on one's guard; see ware2.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

beware 
c.1200, probably from a conflation of be ware (though the compound bewarian "defend" existed in O.E.). See wary.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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