Etymology Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).
1
Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
take caution
have caution
4 more examples
exercise great caution
utmost caution is required when travelling in this dangerous neighbourhood
act with caution
proceed without due caution
2
A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided.
The guideline expressed caution against excessive radiographic imaging.
3
Security; guaranty; bail.
The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be vigorously prosecuted.1702–1704, Edward [Hyde, 1st] Earl of Clarendon, (please specify |book=I to XVI), in The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England, Begun in the Year 1641. […], Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed at the [Sheldonian] Theater:
4
Dated One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour.
Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.
‘You are a caution,’ she said, when she came out. ‘I don't understand you.’1915, W. Somerset Maugham, chapter 58, in Of Human Bondage:
5
Law A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.
Etymology Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).
1
To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
In its May 1965 issue, Life magazine condemned skateboards as a “menace to limb and even to life,” and cautioned readers about riders who “take over the paths made for peaceful strollers.”2018 July 13, Jaime Marie Davis, “How photographers have captured skateboarding through generations”, in CNN:
2
LawUK To read someone their formal legal rights as part of a lawful arrest.
They're under arrest. Caution them, will you?1999 September 12, Anthony Horowitz & al., "Dead Man's Eleven", Midsomer Murders