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caution

Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/

The English word “caution” has 9 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
  2. A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided.
  3. Security; guaranty; bail.
  4. One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour.
  5. A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.
  6. A yellow card.

verb

  1. To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
  2. To read someone their formal legal rights as part of a lawful arrest.
  3. To give a yellow card.

Etymology

Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).

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