caution

/ˈkȯ-shən/

Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard

noun

  1. warning, admonishment

  2. precaution

  3. prudent forethought to minimize risk

Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.

verb

  1. to advise caution to : warn

She cautioned him not to act rashly.

idiom

  1. to stop being careful and do something that is dangerous or that might result in failure

After thinking about it for years, he finally threw/flung/cast caution to the wind, quit his job, and started his own company.