precaution

[ pri-kaw-shuhn ]

noun

1. a measure taken in advance to avert possible evil or to secure good results.
2. caution employed beforehand; prudent foresight.

   Synonyms: circumspection, prudence, forethought

verb (used with object)

1. to forewarn; put on guard.

precaution

/ prɪˈkɔːʃən /

noun

1. an action taken to avoid a dangerous or undesirable event
2. caution practised beforehand; circumspection

Derived Forms

• preˈcautious, adjective
• preˈcautionary, adjective

Other Words From

• unpre·cautioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of precaution¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, precaution is from the Late Latin word praecautiōn- (stem of praecautiō ). See pre-, caution

Word History and Origins

Origin of precaution¹

C17: from French, from Late Latin praecautiō, from Latin praecavēre to guard against, from prae before + cavēre to beware

Example Sentences

Giving examples, Chait said a school lockdown by itself would not be a big enough emergency to allow students to access phones because such actions can be short — sometimes 10 minutes — and are often taken as a safety precaution in response to issues taking place off-campus.

From Los Angeles Times

Two weeks ago Dowden was taken to hospital as a "precaution" after she began "feeling unwell".

From BBC

But supporters of Proposition 3 said that the precaution was necessary, warning of potential rulings from a conservative Supreme Court majority that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump helped appoint.

From Los Angeles Times

Proposition 3 would repeal the outdated clause and instead enshrine marriage as a “fundamental right” for all — a precaution that supporters including Gov. Gavin Newsom said was necessary in case of potential conservative Supreme Court rulings.

From Los Angeles Times

The following day, a spokesperson for the dancer said the ambulance "was called as a precaution" and that she was now "feeling much better".

From BBC

Related Words

• care
• caution
• insurance
• protection
• provision
• safeguard
• safety measure