caution

1 of 2

noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən 

1

: warning, admonishment

Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.

2

: precaution

a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments

3

: prudent forethought to minimize risk

Use caution when operating a chain saw.

4

: one that astonishes or commands attention

some shoes you see … these days are a caution

—Esquire

cautionary

ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē 

-ne-rē

adjective

caution

2 of 2

verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to advise caution to : warn

She cautioned him not to act rashly.

Synonyms

Noun

• alertness
• care
• carefulness
• cautiousness
• chariness
• circumspection
• gingerliness
• guardedness
• heedfulness
• prudence
• wariness

Verb

• advise
• alert
• forewarn
• wake
• warn

Examples of caution in a Sentence

Noun

You should use caution when operating the electric saw.

He injected a note of caution in his talk.

Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.

The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.

Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.

A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.

She was given a caution by the magistrate.

Verb

Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.

“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.

He was cautioned for speeding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Our present age of anxiety — which includes post-pandemic economic challenges to the arts, diminished attention spans and audiences seeking escape from all but virtual reality — has ushered in an atmosphere of caution in just about everything presented to the public. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Use caution and take supplements with a healthcare provider's guidance. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing caution

• err on the side of caution
• throw/fling/cast caution to the wind

Kids Definition

caution

1 of 2 noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən 

1

: admonition, warning

2

: carefulness in regard to danger

3

: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention

caution

2 of 2 verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to advise caution to : warn