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

Police shut down neighboring streets as a precaution, as well as the Erwin Park Community Center. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the operation, along with firefighters and medics who staged nearby as a precaution. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026

The mother and the baby were taken to a local hospital as a precaution, but neither suffered injuries, according to police. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 20 May 2026

Lazarus said parents should prioritize the proven safety strategies that prevent drowning, such as close supervision, and think of swimsuit color as an extra precaution. —Laura Berrios, AJC.com, 19 May 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