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 hospital was placed on a temporary lockdown as a precaution, a Dignity Health spokesperson said. —Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026

The changes came too late for the old-school Earnhardt, who resisted certain safety precautions, including the HANS device, which was available at the time. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026

The boat — and its captain — put those safety precautions to the test. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 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
• 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