caution

cau·tion

Use caution in a sentence

This sign cautions you that the floor is wet.

noun

The definition of a caution is a warning, or is the act of expressing care because of potential risk or danger.
1. An example of a caution is a warning issued that a surface is very hot.
2. An example of caution is when you drive slowly and carefully.

verb

To caution is defined as to warn.
An example of caution is when you warn someone to be careful because the floor is wet.

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MLA Style

"caution." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION>.

APA Style

caution. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION

caution

a warning; admonition
a word, sign, etc. by which warning is given
the act or practice of being cautious; wariness
Informal a person or thing provoking notice, comment, attention, etc.

Origin of caution

Middle English caucioun from Classical Latin cautio from cautus, past participle of cavere, to be on one's guard: see hear

to urge to be cautious; warn; admonish

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MLA Style

"caution." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION>.

APA Style

caution. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION

caution

noun

a. Careful forethought to avoid danger or harm.
b. Close attention or vigilance to minimize risk: The car proceeded over the rickety bridge with caution.
Prudence or restraint in action or decision: advised caution in choosing a school.
A warning or admonishment, especially to take heed: I received a caution from the doctor about fat in my diet.
A cautious action; a precaution: The climbers took the necessary cautions in preparing for the ascent.
Informal One that is striking or alarming.

verb

cau·tioned, cau·tion·ing, cau·tions

verb

transitive

To warn or admonish: cautioned him not to go swimming alone; cautioned that the findings were not conclusive.

verb

intransitive

To give a warning or admonishment: cautioned against overeating.

Origin of caution

Middle English caucioun from Old French caution from Latin cautiō cautiōn- from cautus past participle of cavēre to take care

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"caution." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION>.

APA Style

caution. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/CAUTION

Noun

(plural cautions)

Precept or warning against evil or danger of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction.
A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
Security; guaranty; bail.
One who gives rise to attention or astonishment.
Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.
A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.

Verb

(third-person singular simple present cautions, present participle cautioning, simple past and past participle cautioned)

To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.

Origin

Recorded since 1297, "bail, guarantee, pledge", from Old French "security, surety" itself from Latin cautio, from cautus, the past participle of cavere "to be on one's guard"

English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.