Caution

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: kôshn, IPA: /ˈkɔːʃn/
• US enPR: käshn, IPA: /ˈkɑːʃn/, /ˈkɔʃn/
• cot-caught enPR: käshn, IPA: /ˈkɑʃn/

Origin

Recorded since 1297, "bail, guarantee, pledge", from Old French "security, surety" itself from Latin cautio, from cautus, the past participle of cavere "to be on one's guard"

Full definition of caution

Noun

1. Precept or warning against evil or danger of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction.
• ShakespeareIn way of caution I must tell you.
2. A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
3. Security; guaranty; bail.
• ClarendonThe Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be prosecuted.
4. One who gives rise to attention or astonishment.Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.
5. A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• err on the side of caution
• throw caution to the wind

Related terms

• cautionary
• cautious
• caveat
• precaution

Verb

1. (transitive) To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.

Anagrams

• auction