Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun, from Old French caution, itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre.

• (RP) enPR: kôshn, IPA: /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/
• (America) enPR: kôshn, IPA: /ˈkɔʃ(ə)n/
• (cot-caught) enPR: käshn, IPA: /ˈkɑʃ(ə)n/

caution

1. Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.

   take caution

   have caution

   exercise great caution

   utmost caution is required when travelling in this dangerous neighbourhood

   act with caution

   proceed without due caution

   • c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC ↗, [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.
   • 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 Theater, published 1707, →OCLC ↗:

     The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be vigorously 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

• French: admonition, avertissement, mise en garde
• German: Warnung, Vorsicht
• Italian: cautela
• Portuguese: advertência
• Russian: предостереже́ние
• Spanish: advertencia

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

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

caution (cautions, present participle cautioning; simple 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