Caution, n.
Etymology: [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.
2. Security; guaranty; bail. [R.] The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be prosecuted. Clarendon.
3. Precept or warning against evil of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction. In way of caution I must tell you. Shak. 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Caution 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. You cautioned me against their charms. Swift.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for caution; he lists it under care, prudence.
Where he writes about it:
Care also signifies watchful attention, in view of possible harm; as, "This side up with care;" "Take care of yourself;" or, as a sharp warning, "Take care!" Caution has a sense of possible harm and risk only to be escaped, if at all, by careful deliberation and observation. — from care
Care inclines to the positive, caution to the negative; care is shown in doing, caution largely in not doing. — from care
Precaution is allied with care, prudence with caution; a man rides a dangerous horse with care; caution will keep him from mounting the horse; precaution looks to the saddle-girths, bit and bridle, and all that may make the rider secure. — from care
Circumspection is watchful observation and calculation, but without the timidity implied in caution. — from care
A man who is not influenced by caution to keep out of danger may display great wariness in the midst of it. — from care
Prudence may be briefly defined as good judgment and foresight, inclining to caution and frugality in practical affairs. — from prudence