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I'm trying to write out an document of sorts though I need the word for "someone who warns". I've done a bit of searching but couldn't find anything.
I initially thought it was "warner" though it doesn't show up in the English dictionary and doesn't exactly sound right.
So I ask, what is the correct word if there even is one. If there isn't a correct word, what would be best to use as surely, "someone who warns" can't be?
Monitor
1. One who admonishes; one who warns of faults, informs of
duty, or gives advice and instruction by way of reproof or
caution.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, specifically, a pupil selected to look to the
school in the absence of the instructor, to notice the
absence or faults of the scholars, or to instruct a
division or class.
[1913 Webster]
3. someone who gives a warning so that a mistake can be avoided
[Collaborative International Dictionary of English]
Somebody has to warn kids not to steal the milk.
It has the same root as admonish but describes the person and their authority.
A harbinger is
If your "warner" is able to warn, but is not believed, then a classical reference to being a Cassandra might be in order.
Warner is a word and it appears in dictionaries. It sounds right to me. Warner Bros. makes it harder to search though.
One who warns or gives warning to others.
One who warns.
someone who gives a warning to others
An example from a news article:
Müller is a warner. He warns against running Europe into the ground "out of convenience," merely for the purpose of preserving the euro, which, according to Müller, is much too strong for the weak countries in the south but too weak for the strong German economy.
It usually appears in religious contexts though and prophets are considered as a warner:
In other words, a messenger and prophet is a warner but a warner isn’t necessarily a messenger or prophet.
http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/only_warner.html
Warner can be used for objects too, like a warning system:
The helicopter's electronic warfare systems include a radar warning receiver, laser warning receiver, missile approach warner and chaff and flare dispensers.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/warn?q=warner#warn__14
Not a very common term, but close to what you are looking for:
- one that forewarns
to forewarn :
- to warn (someone) before something happens
also: premonitor:
- One who, or that which, gives premonition, a warning in advance; a forewarning.
(from M-W)
I am not sure whether it sounds correct or not but i was able to find ADMONISHER as a one word substitute for someone who warns
Could you use watchdog? It focuses on the watching as opposed to the warning, so it might be a little off. If we're talking "watchdog agencies" though (my experience with the word), the warning is strongly implied.
Some options: Greek oracle, like the Oracle of Delphi. Prophet or prophetess (aka Cassandra). Someone who warns of impending calamity.
Watchman
In ancient days, these were soldiers assigned to the towers that surrounded the city walls. They warn of people approaching, most often, raiding parties. Sometimes, they are sent out to ask if the arriving party comes in peace or not if someone travels alone. Their function also includes identifying people who come near the walls, and relay the message to another person (usually a runner/messenger) to ask permission from authorities for entry. Sometimes, they sound a trumpet to warn the citizens within the walls about imminent danger, or provide another signal of what lies outside the walls.
My suggestion is a Sentry.
Admonish has the connotation of scolding, telling off. If the usage is someone who is on the lookout, then Sentry is more appropriate in my view.
