precaution

pre·cau·tion

noun \pri-ˈkȯ-shən\

Definition of PRECAUTION

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>

— pre·cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

Examples of PRECAUTION

1. Be sure to follow the usual safety precautions when cooking outdoors.
2. When driving, she always wears her seatbelt as a precaution.
3. Every home owner should take precautions against fire.
4. She took the precaution of packing extra medicine for the trip.

Origin of PRECAUTION

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: 1603

Related to PRECAUTION

Synonyms: caution, fail-safe, palladium, preventive, safeguard

Related Words: armor, cover, guard, protection, screen, shield, wall, ward

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