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 of precaution

• safeguard
• preventive
• protection
• caution

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

Mexico's navy shut down ports in the states of Guerrero and Michoacán as a precaution and warned civilians and fishermen to take care. — Desiree Brooks, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

The process of putting out the fire created smoke, so everyone in Tier 5A and all other tiers on the fifth floor were evacuated as a precaution, the sheriff's office said. — Greg Kelly, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

As a precaution, signs will be posted on the Hoan Bridge warning commuters that extra exhaust could inhibit visibility or cause extra freezing. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Researchers have documented similar practices across the industry, even for injectable weight-loss drugs that typically require a physical exam and other precautions before beginning treatment. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

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
• poblacion
• 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