precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən 

1

: care taken in advance : foresight

warned of the need for precaution

2

: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : safeguard

take the necessary precautions

precautionary

pri-ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• caution
• fail-safe
• palladium
• preventive
• safeguard

Examples of precaution in a Sentence

Be sure to follow the usual safety precautions when cooking outdoors.

When driving, she always wears her seatbelt as a precaution.

Every home owner should take precautions against fire.

She took the precaution of packing extra medicine for the trip.

Recent Examples on the Web

There may be no need for widespread quarantines or other elaborate precautions, but an infected patient waiting for a hot dog on the concourse at the AFC championship game in Kansas City would have presented a risk to other fans. —Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. —Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025

The overall risk of contracting bird flu remains low, but those in close contact with infected poultry should take precautions. —Shahid Meighan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

The potential for heavy snow and ice blanketing roads is prompting local school districts to take early precautions for Wednesday. —The Kansas City Star Staff, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French précaution, from Late Latin praecaution-, praecautio, from Latin praecavēre to guard against, from prae- + cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for precaution

• laplacian
• caution
• washin

Kids Definition

precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən 

1

: care taken in advance : foresight

2

: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or to bring about a good result

take precautions against fire

precautionary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective