First Known Use: 1566
Dictionary
1caution
noun cau·tion \ˈkȯ-shən\
: care taken to avoid danger or risk : a careful attitude or way of behaving
: a warning telling someone to be careful
law : a spoken official warning given to someone who has done something illegal but has not committed a serious crime
Full Definition of CAUTION
1
2
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention <some shoes you see … these days are a caution — Esquire>
— cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ne-rē\ adjective
See caution defined for English-language learners
See caution defined for kids
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Origin of CAUTION
Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear
Related to CAUTION
- Synonyms
- alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, prudence, wariness
- Antonyms
- brashness, carelessness, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, recklessness, unwariness
2caution
verb
: to warn or tell (someone) about a possible danger, problem, etc.
law : to give a caution to (someone)
cau·tionedcau·tion·ing \ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ\
Full Definition of CAUTION
transitive verb
: to advise caution to : warn
See caution defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CAUTION
1683
CAUTIONING Defined for Kids
1caution
noun cau·tion \ˈkȯ-shən\
Definition of CAUTION for Kids
1
: care taken to avoid trouble or danger : precaution <They approached the dog with caution.>
2
: warning <a word of caution>
2caution
verb
cau·tionedcau·tion·ing
Definition of CAUTION for Kids
: to warn about danger
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