to inform; to notify

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America. The heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress. The times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.

I will tell you when Tom has gone.

Tom needs to be told what to do.

Mrs. White broke into tears when I told her the news.

Tom has already been told to leave Mary alone.