precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
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.
Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516 Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025 The governor’s announcement included a list of other precautions, such as limiting exercise or outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing sun protection like sunscreen and lightweight clothes, and drinking more liquids regardless of activity level. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025 The original discussion to remove thimerosal was contentious but understandable: a precaution taken in a vacuum of information. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 25 June 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 4 Jul. 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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