caution
Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
Noun 4 meanings
Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
“exercise great caution”
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.”
Security; guaranty; bail.
One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour.
“Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.”
Verb 3 meanings
To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
To read someone their formal legal rights as part of a lawful arrest.
To give a yellow card.
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”).
Similar and opposite words
CAUTION at a glance
CAUTION has 7 letters and scores 9 points in Scrabble (C 3 + A 1 + U 1 + T 1 + I 1 + O 1 + N 1) and 12 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #7,311 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with caution
All rhymesOne letter away
- CAPTION11
- CANTION9
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