caution

Meanings

Noun

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

Verb

• To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
• To give a yellow card

Related

Narrower meaning words

• precaution

Origin

• Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun, from Old French caution ("security, surety"), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveo.