I. ˈkȯshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English caucioun, from Old French caution, from Latin caution-, cautio, from cautus (past participle of cavēre to be on one's guard) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at show
1.
a. : security for the performance of an obligation (as bail, a guarantee, or a pledge)
b. : the person giving such security : surety — called also cautionary
2. obsolete : a contingent provision : reservation , saving clause
with the caution that the procedure be found legal
3. : a warning or admonishment especially in counseling vigilance, due attention or consideration, safety, or reservation
the first caution which we shall do well to bear in mind is that religion is not always true or good — W.R.Inge
4. : the action of taking heed : precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his equipment
5. : heedful prudent forethought to minimize risk or danger : provident care about the results of an action or course : careful avoidance of undue risk : reserve in acceptance
my dear Percy's wonderful caution … a thing that no mere reckless woman can hope to emulate — Rose Macaulay
a difficult climb, safe but requiring caution — American Guide Series: California
6. : a preparatory warning of a maneuver or direction given prior to a decisive command (as forward preceding the command march )
7.
a. : one that arouses alarm or astonishment or commands attention or interest : an extreme or grotesque example
a fun-loving life of the party, a real caution
b. : an incident or example that startles and may serve as a check, admonition, or incentive
the way he drove was a caution
II. transitive verb
( cautioned ; cautioned ; cautioning -sh(ə)niŋ ; cautions )
: to advise caution to : admonish or put on guard typically against danger, carelessness, imprudence, or excess
we … while experience cautions us in vain, grasp seeming happiness and find it pain — William Cowper
Synonyms: see warn