# beware

/bɪˈwɛɹ/ (US) · /bɪwˈeə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beware
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to be careful or look out for something dangerous. You often see this on signs to warn you about a risk.

For teachers: to be cautious or on one's guard against potential danger or harm. Primarily used in the imperative or as an infinitive; lacks a full range of inflected forms like a past tense.

## Examples

- Beware of the dog when you enter the yard.
- Hikers should beware of falling rocks when walking along the base of the cliffs after a heavy rain.
- While the investment opportunity appears lucrative on the surface, seasoned traders warn that one must beware of hidden fees that can quickly erode any potential profit margins.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He bewared of the danger" but "He was wary of the danger" — Beware is a defective verb and cannot be used in the past tense; use 'was wary of' or 'avoided' instead.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.