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

• caution
• fail-safe
• palladium
• preventive
• safeguard

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

When setting up a new device, take extra precautions to secure it, such as enabling two-factor authentication and keeping all software up to date. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024

Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. —Devna Bose and John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

Authorities are urging residents in these areas to plan ahead and take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe as the storm moves in. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Drones have begun playing a larger role in military conflicts, while also pestering American bases in the United Kingdom and the U.S. Police now often take special precautions to counter drones at major events. —Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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