verb

avertir

warn

Informer quelqu’un d’un danger ou d’un problème pour qu’il fasse attention.

Word: avertir

Meaning:

The French verb "avertir" means "to warn", "to inform", or "to notify" someone about something, usually to prevent harm or to give advance notice.

Explanation:

To warn someone means to tell them about a potential danger or problem.
To inform or notify means simply to make someone aware of particular information or news.

Verb type:

Avertir is a regular verb conjugated like verbs ending in -ir (second group).
Present tense example: J'avertis (I warn) / tu avertis (you warn)

Parts:

Prefix "a-": typical for verbs.
Root "vertir" likely connected with changes related to turning or alertness (related to the Latin verb advertere, meaning "to turn towards" or "to pay attention").

Synonyms:

prévenir (to warn, to inform ahead)
aviser (to inform, to notify)
informer (to inform)

Antonyms:

ignorer (to ignore, to be unaware)
omettre (to omit, to leave out)
dissimuler (to hide, to conceal information)

Summary:

avertir is chiefly used when telling someone about a potential danger or issue, or simply alerting them to some information beforehand. For example:

Il a averti son ami du danger. — He warned his friend about the danger.
Je t’avertis que le train est en retard. — I’m informing you that the train is late.