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

Such security precautions are not conducive to an active social life. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

She was taken to a hospital as a precaution and was not reported injured. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

The pilot was the only person on board and was taken to a hospital as a precaution. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Due to the potential dangers of Death Valley, the park service recommends travelers take precautions before setting out on their day in the park. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Aug. 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