Rewarn is a seldom-used word with a simple meaning: to warn again. It is pronounced /riːˈwɔːn/, with the first syllable "ree" rhyming with "see." The "w" in the middle is silent. The word is spelled with "re" at the beginning to indicate repetition, as in many other words like "reheat" or "revisit." Despite its infrequent usage, "rewarn" is a useful word that can help writers and speakers avoid redundancy by replacing multiple warnings with one "rewarn."
Rewarn (verb):
To provide a warning or caution again, especially after a previous warning has been given or ignored. It refers to the act of issuing a subsequent alert or notification regarding potential dangers, hazards, or risks.
When an individual, organization, or authority rewarns someone, they convey the message of danger or harm once more, emphasizing the importance of being cautious or taking preventive measures. This repetition of the warning is often prompted by the failure to adequately heed the initial warning or due to a change in circumstances that warrants renewed attention to the potential risks.
Rewarning may occur in various contexts, such as public safety, health advisories, weather alerts, security threats, or product recalls. For example, if a severe storm warning is issued but residents fail to take necessary precautions, authorities may rewarn the community to ensure they are aware of the impending danger. Similarly, a government agency may rewarn the public about a potential health risk associated with a certain food item if it becomes evident that an initial warning was not adequately heeded.
In summary, to rewarn means to issue a warning or caution repeatedly, aiming to reinforce the importance of being aware and prepared in order to minimize the potential negative outcomes.
The word "rewarn" is derived from the combination of the prefix "re-" and the verb "warn".
The prefix "re-" in English is of Latin origin and means "again" or "back". It is used to indicate repetition or return to a previous state.
The verb "warn" comes from the Old English word "warnian", which means "to put in guard" or "to give notice or advice of danger". It is related to the Old High German word "warnon" and the Old Norse word "varna", which share the same meaning.
So, when the prefix "re-" is joined with the verb "warn", it creates the word "rewarn", which signifies the action of warning again or giving a second notice of danger or advice.