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Added 9 October 2026

caution

/ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/ noun

In Latin: cautēla Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about caution at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger.
a man of caution
A warning against certain acts.
a caveat against unfair practices
Judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger.
he exercised caution in opening the door

verb

Warn strongly; put on guard.

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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