forewarn

Imagine a storm brewing on the horizon. To forewarn someone about it is not just to say that rain is coming. It means giving them a heads-up that something difficult or dangerous may be on the way, so they have time to prepare. It's like sending out an early alert.

The word combines "fore-," meaning before, and "warn," so it literally means to warn beforehand. A weather service forewarns people about hurricanes, and a good friend might forewarn you about a difficult situation at work. You can also forewarn someone indirectly, perhaps by hinting that something unpleasant is likely to happen. Think of it as giving someone a chance to get ready.

To forewarn means to warn someone about something in advance, especially about danger, trouble, or difficulty. It's more than just telling someone that an event will happen; it means alerting them early enough that they can prepare and reduce possible harm. For example: "The travel advisory forewarned tourists about the risk of pickpockets," or "Her lawyer forewarned her that the trial would be lengthy and emotionally draining."

Unlike a simple warning, which might come right before an event, to forewarn suggests giving notice well enough in advance for action to be taken. It's often used when there is uncertainty about whether the predicted event will actually happen, but the potential consequences are significant enough to warrant preparation.

You can forewarn someone directly by explicitly telling them what to expect: "I wanted to forewarn you that the meeting might run late." You can also do it indirectly through hints or suggestions. A seasoned detective might forewarn a rookie officer about the dangers of undercover work, not with specific details, but with cautionary tales and advice.

The word comes from Old English roots meaning "before" and "to warn." It carries a sense of responsibility—someone who forewarns is taking proactive steps to help another person avoid harm or be prepared for challenges.

So whether it's a weather report predicting a blizzard, a friend hinting at bad news, or a cautious advisor preparing you for difficulties, forewarn means giving advance notice so that preparation and precaution are possible.