n.
- care taken to avoid danger or mistakes.
- Brit. an official or legal warning given to someone who has committed a minor offence but has not been charged.
- informal, dated an amusing or surprising person.
v.
- say something as a warning.
▸
(caution against)
warn or advise against.
- Brit. issue an official or legal warning to.
▸(of a police officer) advise (someone) of their legal rights when arresting them.
Phrase
- throw caution to the wind
(or winds)
act in a reckless manner.
Etymology
ME: from L. cautio(n-), from cavere ‘take heed’.