From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
caution
n 1: the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible
danger; "a man of caution" [syn: cautiousness,
carefulness] [ant: incaution]
2: a warning against certain acts; "a caveat against unfair
practices" [syn: caveat]
3: judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger; "he exercised
caution in opening the door"; "he handled the vase with
care" [syn: precaution, care, forethought]
4: the trait of being circumspect and prudent [syn:
circumspection]
v : warn strongly; put on guard [syn: admonish, monish]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Caution \Cau"tion\, n. [F. caution a security, L. cautio, fr.
cavere (For scavere) to be on one's guard, to take care
(orig.) to be on the watch, see; akin to E. show.]
1. A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in
order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in
regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
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2. Security; guaranty; bail. [R.]
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The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient
caution that the war should be prosecuted.
--Clarendon.
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3. Precept or warning against evil of any kind; exhortation
to wariness; advice; injunction.
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In way of caution I must tell you. --Shak.
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4. (Civil & Scots Law) A pledge, bond, or other security for
the performance of an obligation either in or out of
judicial proceedings; the promise or contract of one not
for himself but another; security.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Caution money, money deposited by way of security or
guaranty, as by a student at an English university.
Syn: Care; forethought; forecast; heed; prudence;
watchfulness; vigilance; circumspection; anxiety;
providence; counsel; advice; warning; admonition.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Caution \Cau"tion\ v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cautioned; p. pr. & vb.
n. Cautioning.]
To give notice of danger to; to warn; to exhort [one] to take
heed.
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You cautioned me against their charms. --Swift.
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