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

Elias Lindholm, who left Saturday’s blowout as a precaution because of a nagging injury, was back in the lineup. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

But take precautions while enjoying the cooler weather this weekend as cedar pollen will be plentiful, thanks to the passage of the cold front and breezy winds to spread the airborne allergens. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026

Rodriguez also urged residents to review pool-safety precautions, noting South Florida’s proximity to water. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

Not taking those kinds of precautions could be dangerous for the officers and for people nearby. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 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
• 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