/ ˈkɔːʃn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U ] care that you take in order to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks :
extreme / great caution
Statistics should be treated with caution .
➡ note at care
2.
[ C ] ( BrE ) a warning that is given by the police to sb who has committed a crime that is not too serious :
As a first offender, she got off with a caution.
3.
[ U , C ] ( formal ) a warning or a piece of advice about a possible danger or risk :
a word / note of caution
Some cautions must be mentioned—for example good tools are essential to do the job well.
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IDIOMS
- throw / cast caution to the wind(s)
■ verb
1.
caution (sb) against sth | caution sb about sth to warn sb about the possible dangers or problems of sth :
[ v ]
I would caution against getting too involved.
[ vn ]
Sam cautioned him against making a hasty decision.
[ v that ]
The government cautioned that pay increases could lead to job losses.
[also vn to inf , vn that , v speech , vn speech ]
2.
[ vn ] ( BrE , law ) to warn sb officially that anything they say may be used as evidence against them in court :
Suspects must be cautioned before any questions are asked.
3.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] ( BrE , law ) caution sb (for sth) to warn sb officially that they will be punished if they do sth wrong or illegal again :
She wasn't sent to the juvenile court; instead she was cautioned.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (denoting bail or a guarantee; now chiefly Scots and US): from Latin cautio(n-) , from cavere take heed.