| 1. | the act or utterance of one who warns or the existence, appearance, sound, etc., of a thing that warns. |
| 2. | something that serves to warn, give notice, or caution: We fired a warning at the intruders. |
| 3. | Meteorology. an announcement from the U.S. National Weather Service alerting the public that a storm or other weather-related hazard is imminent and that immediate steps should be taken to protect lives and property. Compare advisory (def. 5), storm warning (def. 2), watch (def. 20). |
| 4. | serving to warn, advise, caution: a warning bell. |
| 1. | to give notice, advice, or intimation to (a person, group, etc.) of danger, impending evil, possible harm, or anything else unfavorable: They warned him of a plot against him. She was warned that her life was in danger. |
| 2. | to urge or advise to be careful; caution: to warn a careless driver. |
| 3. | to admonish or exhort, as to action or conduct: She warned her employees to be on time. |
| 4. | to notify, advise, or inform: to warn a person of an intended visit. |
| 5. | to give notice to (a person, group, etc.) to go, keep at a distance, etc. (often fol. by away, off, etc.): A sign warns trespassers off the grounds. A marker warned boats away from the dock. |
| 6. | to give authoritative or formal notice to (someone); order; summon: to warn a person to appear in court. |
| 7. | to give a warning; caution: to warn of further disasters. |