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

• 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 bomb squad will clear the vehicle as a precaution, KTLA reported. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025

As warnings and watches extend, agricultural producers and residents are urged to take immediate measures to safeguard crops, sensitive vegetation and plumbing, with economic consequences possible if precautions are not taken. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

As these avenues for fan connection and exploration expand, there are also precautions. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025

Among other precautions, a Flight for Life helicopter was called, but was not needed. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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