Main Entry: pre·cau·tion

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈkȯ-shən\

Function: noun

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

Date: 1603

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>

— pre·cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective