• (RP) enPR: kôshn, IPA: /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/
• (America) enPR käshn, IPA: /ˈkɑːʃ(ə)n/, /ˈkɔʃ(ə)n/
• (cot-caught, northern cities vowel shift) enPR: käshn, IPA: /ˈkɑʃn/

caution

1. Precept or warning against evil or danger of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction; prudence in regard to danger; provident care
   • c. 1599–1602, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, OCLC 606515358 ↗, [Act I, scene iii]:

     In way of caution I must tell you.

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 prosecuted.

4. (dated) One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour.

   Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.

5. (law) A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.
6. (soccer) A yellow card.

• See also Thesaurus:caution

• caveat
• err on the side of caution
• throw caution to the wind

• German: Warnung, Vorsicht
• Portuguese: advertência
• Russian: предостереже́ние
• Spanish: advertencia

• German: Vorsicht, Achtsamkeit, Behutsamkeit
• Italian: cautela
• Portuguese: cuidado, caução, cautela
• Russian: осторо́жность
• Spanish: precaución, cuidado, cautela

• German: Kaution
• Portuguese: garantia
• Russian: поручи́тельство
• Spanish: fianza

caution (cautions, present participle cautioning; past and past participle cautioned)

1. (transitive) To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
2. (soccer) To give a yellow card

• French: avertir
• German: warnen, verwarnen
• Portuguese: advertir
• Spanish: advertir