Past tense of caution, meaning to warn someone about potential danger or problems, or to advise careful consideration.
From Latin cautio meaning 'wariness, precaution', derived from cavere meaning 'to be on guard, beware'. The word entered English through Old French caution in the 13th century. Originally meant 'security given' but evolved to mean 'warning against danger'.
The evolution of 'caution' from 'security' to 'warning' reflects a fundamental shift in how we think about safety - from providing guarantees to preventing problems. In legal contexts, being 'cautioned' has a specific meaning related to police warnings, showing how language adapts to institutional needs.
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