Middle English word iwar comes from Old English ġe-, Proto-Indo-European *were-, and later Proto-Germanic *waraz (Cautious; heedful; wary; watchful.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| ġe- | Old English (ang) | |
| *were- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *worós | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *waraz | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Cautious; heedful; wary; watchful. |
| wær | Old English (ang) | True, correct (only attested once) Agreement, promise. Fidelity, friendship. Truth, faith Aware, cautious. |
| ġewær | Old English (ang) | |
| ywar | Middle English (enm) | Aware. |