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

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

In the coming weeks, Americans might learn the cause, or causes, of the surge, which would make taking precautions much easier. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

Authorities and water safety experts have long advised visitors planning a day at the lake to take precautions to prevent accidents and drownings. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Facilities employees who work near the tower have been notified and are taking appropriate precautions. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 July 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