Main Entry: ¹cau·tion

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯ-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

Date: 1566

1 : warning, admonishment
2 : precaution
3 : prudent forethought to minimize risk
4 : one that astonishes or commands attention <some shoes you see…these days are a caution — Esquire>

— cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ne-rē\ adjective