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

As a precaution against a possible disturbance, the ferry was escorted by a police boat, its blue lights flashing.

From The Daily Beast

The jacket and gloves were a precaution in the event the eaglet panicked, but there was little fuss as he tossed the net over her.

From The Daily Beast

As a precaution, they have been placed on a 21-day fever watch.

From The Daily Beast

But, the precaution falls flat on the upper floors of thin-walled barracks.

From The Daily Beast

DePree said Marble Collegiate sometimes takes another flu-season precaution.

From The Daily Beast

Why did he not exercise more precaution when investigating anything so suspicious as a concealed fire?

From Project Gutenberg

Every precaution was taken by Colonel Guitar to guard against a night attack, but his little army was allowed to rest in peace.

From Project Gutenberg

And I had already taken the precaution of retaining the best legal counsel in the city.

From Project Gutenberg

A man at all easy in his circumstances would spare himself much annoyance by taking the above simple precaution.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, you would not have taken the precaution, which you did at the moment of my arrest, of searching me to find firearms.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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