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

The City of Miami granted Nu Stadium a limited event permit, which is limited to that day, with specific hours, restrictions and additional precautions. —Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Kuo, a 67-year-old retiree, started buying property in Cambodia a decade ago, initially as an investment, then as a precaution in case of conflict with China. —Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026

The shelter is also urging pet owners to take precautions at home. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Self did miss a game in January against Colorado, when he was taken to a hospital as a precaution, the school noted at the time. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 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