beware

[bih-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)

1. to be cautious or careful.

   Beware of the dog.

beware

/ bɪˈwɛə /

verb

1. to be cautious or wary (of); be on one's guard (against)

Word History and Origins

Origin of beware¹

1150–1200; Middle English, from phrase of warning be ware. See be, ware ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of beware¹

C13 be war , from _be (imperative) + war _wary

Example Sentences

He’s 6 feet 2, 275 pounds, and if he plays like he did on Thursday for the rest of the season, beware.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s also the punter, so beware of trick plays.

From Los Angeles Times

Football fans are being urged to beware "ruthless" fraudsters when buying match tickets online after a study showed an estimated £2.5m had been lost to scammers in the past two years.

From BBC

Pet owners, beware: Flea-borne typhus is on the rise in parts of Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

In a world of AI agents, we should also beware that creators of the agents could take control of them without your knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heed 
• take care 

When To Use

What does beware mean?

Beware means be careful or cautious—watch out for danger or other bad stuff.Beware is a command (or at least a suggestion). Sometimes, it’s used by itself, as in Beware! There are dark forces afoot! More commonly, it’s immediately followed by the specific thing you should beware of, as in Beware the words of politicians. Perhaps most commonly, it’s paired with the word of, such as on a sign that says Beware of cat. (You thought we were going to say Beware of dog, didn’t you? Stay alert, folks. Beware a wily dictionary.)Example: Before you enter the internet, there should be a sign that says “Beware of trolls.”