English Explanatory Dictionary

caution

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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 give a yellow card.

Pronunciation

kôshn /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/ /ˈkɔʃ(ə)n/ käshn /ˈkɑʃ(ə)n/ en-us-caution.ogg

Word forms

caution cautions cautioning cautioned

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”).

Synonyms

caution cautiousness caginess care carefulness circumspection heed heedfulness prudence reckfulness wariness

Antonyms

incaution

Related words

caveat cautious cautiously heads up timid timidity timidly

Derived words

abundance of caution cast caution to the wind cautionary caution fatigue caution money caution to snakes cautious competition caution err on the side of caution hypercaution incaution interview under caution precaution throw caution to the wind toss caution to the wind cautioner overcaution
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