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caution

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑʃən// UK //kˈɔːʃən// cau·tion
  1. 1 carefulness (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    care taken to avoid danger, risk, or mistakes.

    the quality of being careful to avoid potential hazards or errors; prudence.

    Example

    You should proceed with caution when driving on these icy roads.

    Example

    The investigators exercised extreme caution when entering the unstable building, fearing that any sudden movement might trigger a collapse.
  2. 2 legal warning (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Formal Law

    a formal warning given by the police to someone who has committed a minor crime.

    a formal warning issued by law enforcement as an alternative to prosecution for minor offences.

    Example

    Since it was his first offence, the teenager received a police caution instead of going to court.

    Example

    The officer decided that a formal caution was a more appropriate response than a full prosecution given the suspect's clean record and cooperation.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'issue' or 'receive'.
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  1. 3 sports penalty (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a yellow card given to a player for breaking the rules.

    a formal disciplinary warning, typically represented by a yellow card, issued to a player during a match.

    Example

    The defender received a caution for a late tackle in the second half.

    Example

    After a series of persistent fouls, the referee finally issued a caution to the midfielder to regain control of the game.
  2. 4 to warn (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to warn someone about a possible problem or danger.

    to advise or warn someone to be careful or to take necessary precautions.

    Example

    Doctors caution that the new medicine may cause some sleepiness.

    Example

    Financial advisors caution investors against putting all their capital into a single volatile market sector.

    Usage

    Often followed by 'against' or a 'that' clause.
  3. 5 to issue a legal warning (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Formal Law

    to give someone a formal police warning.

    to issue a formal warning to a suspect, often including a statement of their legal rights.

    Example

    The police cautioned the man for shoplifting and released him.

    Example

    The detective cautioned the suspect, reminding him that anything he said could be used as evidence in a future trial.
Origin

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”).

Word family
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