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 child was brought to Mass General Hospital as a precaution where she was reunited with her mother. — Louisa Moller, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Travelers to other parts of Congo and Uganda are advised to take enhanced precautions and monitor for Ebola symptoms for 21 days after leaving affected areas. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

While Chesney said that the injury is nothing overly serious and that the tailback could have returned to the game, the coaching staff decided to keep him sidelined as a precaution. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Based on that information, officers drew their firearms upon arrival as a precaution to address any potential threats and ensure the safety of everyone at the scene. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 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