beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwer 

bē-

intransitive verb

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

transitive verb

1

: to take care of

beware your wallet

2

: to be wary of

we must … beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization

—Matthew Lipman

Synonyms

• guard (against)
• look out (for)
• mind
• ware
• watch out (for)

Examples of beware in a Sentence

A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”.

He told them to beware.

The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, fans of the comics shouldn't necessarily be surprised by this, but parents who may be thinking of watching this show with younger viewers should beware. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025

Local and state governments are opening warming centers and warning drivers to beware of treacherous roads that could be coated with slick ice. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025

Another lesson is to beware of predictions that the sky is falling. —Tyler Cowen, Twin Cities, 19 Jan. 2025

Travelers beware:Severe weather forecast says storms, tornadoes and snow Another fatality was reported in Natchez, Mississippi, after a tree fell on a home. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English been war, from been "to be" + war "cognizant, ware entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwa(ə)r 

-ˈwe(ə)r

1

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

2

: to be suspicious of

beware the quick excuse