caution

Plural: cautions

Noun

• the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
  • "a man of caution"
• a warning against certain acts
• judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
  • "he exercised caution in opening the door"
• the trait of being circumspect and prudent
• Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
• A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided.
• Security; guaranty; bail.
• One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour.
• A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.
• A yellow card.

Verb

Verb Forms: cautioned, cautioning, cautions

• To warn someone about a potential danger, risk, or mistake.
• warn strongly; put on guard
• To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
• To give a yellow card

Examples

• act with caution
• exercise great caution
• have caution
• Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh.
• proceed without due caution
• take caution
• The guideline expressed caution against excessive radiographic imaging.
• The high-scoring player would CAUTION others against sacrificing long-term strategy for short-term points.
• utmost caution is required when travelling in this dangerous neighbourhood

Synonyms

admonish, care, carefulness, cautiousness, caveat, circumspection, forethought, monish, precaution, caginess, caution, heed, heedfulness, prudence, reckfulness, wariness

Antonyms

incaution

Related Words

cautious, cautiously, caveat, heads up, timid, timidity, timidly