French Conversation · Level 60
75 words
French word
alerter
Pronunciation
IPA/alɛʁte/
Meaning
- verbwarn
Example
Il a alerté tout le monde du danger.
He warned everyone about the danger.
More examples
J'ai alerté la police dès que j'ai vu la fumée.
I alerted the police as soon as I saw the smoke.
Core concept
A danger signal reaches the people who must respond.
Common phrases
alerter quelqu'un
alert someone
alerter la police
alert the police
alerter les secours
alert the rescue services
Similar words
prévenir: To warn someone in advance so they can prepare or stay cautious.
avertir: To warn someone about a possible danger or disadvantage.
informer: To provide someone with facts or information about a situation.
signaler: To point out or report an event or unusual condition.
Definition in French
Signaler immédiatement une situation dangereuse ou anormale à une personne ou à un service afin qu'on prenne des mesures.
Word origin
French alerter derives from alerte, borrowed from Italian all'erta, an expression meaning 'on the watch' that developed into a call for vigilance.
Usage tips
- Alerter takes the notified person or service as a direct object and commonly uses de for the danger: alerter quelqu'un de quelque chose.