warning
UK: ˈwɔːnɪŋ | US: ˈwɔːrnɪŋ
n. a statement or event indicating possible danger or harm
n. advance notice or caution about something undesirable
vt. the act of advising someone to be careful (less common usage)
The word "warning" originates from Old English warnian, meaning "to take heed" or "give notice of danger." The root warn is tied to Proto-Germanic warnōną ("to refuse, deny, guard against"), reflecting a protective intent. The suffix -ing converts the verb into a noun, emphasizing the result or action of cautioning. Over time, "warning" evolved to signify both the act of advising caution and the message itself, retaining its core association with danger prevention.
The weather service issued a storm warning for coastal areas.
She ignored the warning signs and continued hiking alone.
His sudden silence was a warning that something was wrong.
The label contains a warning about potential side effects.
The teacher gave him a final warning before assigning detention.