prévenir

to warn

verb preh-vuh-NEER Common

Also means

to notify

Usage Note

Prévenir is an irregular verb conjugated like venir. It primarily means 'to warn' or 'to notify in advance', as in prévenir quelqu'un d'un danger (to warn someone of a danger). It also carries the sense of averting harm, as in the proverb 'Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir' (prevention is better than cure).

Examples

"Il faut le prévenir tout de suite."

Natural Translation

He must be warned right away.

Literal Translation

We must warn him right away.

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