precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
Synonyms of precautionnext
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Elk Grove police officer on a patrol motorcycle was involved in a crash with another vehicle Thursday and taken to a hospital as a precaution. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025 Two high schools in neighboring District 191— Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School — were also closed as a precaution. Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025 But while walking with BFR cuffs can increase the size and strength of leg muscles – also vital for healthy aging and staying active – the researchers want people to be aware that extra precautions and care are necessary, as restricting blood flow can have an immediate negative effect. New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precaution

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of precaution was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precaution. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

precaution

noun
pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on precaution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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