caution

Noun

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

Verb

1. (transitive) To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
2. To give a yellow card

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: caucioun

In summary

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”).

Synonyms

warn

warning

⚠️

care

prudence

carefulness

precaution

circumspection

discretion

alert

admonish

wariness

watchfulness

attention

vigilance

notice

caveat

admonition

forewarn

guard

💂

advice

cautiousness

monition

heed

advise

wisdom

premonition

tip off

chariness

reprimand

rebuke

alarm

generalship

heedfulness

find fault with

monish

thoughtfulness

reproach

admonishment

foresight

alertness

notification

cautious

look out

lookout

note

prohibit

danger

❗

advertence

counsel

forethought

Translations

Vorsicht

prudence

cautela

precaución

précaution

prudenza

προσοχή

Behutsamkeit

cautela

prudencia

circospezione

precauzione

Umsicht

voorzichtigheid

omzichtigheid