释义 |
cau·tion I. \ˈkȯshən\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English caucioun, from Old French caution, from Latin caution-, cautio, from cautus (past participle of cavēre to be on one's guard) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at show 1. a. : security for the performance of an obligation (as bail, a guarantee, or a pledge) b. : the person giving such security : surety — called also cautionary 2. obsolete : a contingent provision : reservation, saving clause < with the caution that the procedure be found legal > 3. : a warning or admonishment especially in counseling vigilance, due attention or consideration, safety, or reservation < the first caution which we shall do well to bear in mind is that religion is not always true or good — W.R.Inge > 4. : the action of taking heed : precaution < a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his equipment > 5. : heedful prudent forethought to minimize risk or danger : provident care about the results of an action or course : careful avoidance of undue risk : reserve in acceptance < my dear Percy's wonderful caution … a thing that no mere reckless woman can hope to emulate — Rose Macaulay > < a difficult climb, safe but requiring caution — American Guide Series: California > 6. : a preparatory warning of a maneuver or direction given prior to a decisive command (as forward preceding the command march) 7. a. : one that arouses alarm or astonishment or commands attention or interest : an extreme or grotesque example < a fun-loving life of the party, a real caution > b. : an incident or example that startles and may serve as a check, admonition, or incentive < the way he drove was a caution > II. transitive verb (cautioned ; cautioned ; cautioning \-sh(ə)niŋ\ ; cautions) : to advise caution to : admonish or put on guard typically against danger, carelessness, imprudence, or excess < we … while experience cautions us in vain, grasp seeming happiness and find it pain — William Cowper > Synonyms: see warn |