— cautioner , n.
/kaw"sheuhn/ , n.
1. alertness and prudence in a hazardous situation; care; wariness: Landslides ahead - proceed with caution.
2. a warning against danger or evil; anything serving as a warning: By way of caution, he told me the difficulties I would face.
3. Informal. a person or thing that astonishes or causes mild apprehension: She's a caution. The way he challenges your remarks is a caution.
v.t.
4. to give warning to; advise or urge to take heed.
v.i.
5. to warn or advise: The newspapers caution against overoptimism.
[ 1250-1300; ME caucion caution- (s. of cautio ) a taking care, equiv. to caut ( us ), ptp. of cavere to guard against ( cau- take care, guard + -tus ptp. suffix) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 1. circumspection, discretion, watchfulness, heed, vigilance. 2. admonition, advice, counsel. 4. admonish, forewarn. See warn .
Ant. 1. carelessness.