precaution

American  

[pri-kaw-shuhn] / prɪˈkɔ ʃən /

noun

• precautions
  plural

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

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verb (used with object)

1. to forewarn; put on guard.

precaution British  

/ prɪˈkɔːʃən /

noun

1. an action taken to avoid a dangerous or undesirable event

2. caution practised beforehand; circumspection

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Usage

What does precaution mean? A precaution is an action taken in advance to prevent something negative from happening or to lessen the impact of the negative thing if it does happen. This sense of precaution is often used with the verb take, as in take precautions or take every precaution. Precaution can also refer to caution in advance of something (which leads one to take such precautions). It can also be used as a verb meaning to warn. However, this is uncommon. The verb caution is more commonly used to mean this. Precaution has two adjective forms: precautious, meaning being careful by actively preparing to avoid something negative, and precautionary, which is used to describe things done as a precaution, as in precautionary measures. Example: Officials said they have taken every available precaution to secure the city in advance of the storm.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• precautionary
  adjective
• precautious
  adjective
• unprecautioned
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• precautions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of precaution

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

Explanation

A precaution is a careful action you make in advance. You might want to take the precaution of bringing lots of water and sunblock if you're going on a desert hike. Precaution means exactly what it sounds like. The prefix pre- means before, and caution means carefulness in the face of danger. People use glasses when they're on a computer as a precaution because there are links to long hours on a computer and vision damage. A fire drill is a precaution so that you know what to do in case of a real fire. Someone who is always careful exhibits precaution.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

precaution precautions

While determining there were no epidemic risks, Rospotrebnadzor said it had implemented a set of "anti-epidemic measures" as a precaution and in line with sanitary legislation.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

The key precaution is to educate the judiciary of these dangers, and this work is underway.

From Slate ● Oct. 5, 2026

“As a precaution, the building has been evacuated while CHP sweeps the building,” the statement read.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

Saudi authorities said they shut the line as a precaution but haven’t disclosed the full extent of the damage or announced when pumping will resume.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

I decided as a precaution not to sleep in the cave—with its one entrance, and that a small one, it would be like a trap.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

It cited increased precautions with its training sandboxes to prevent agents from breaking out of secure testing systems.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026

When he has to be moved, the precautions are extreme.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

In response to public concern, Westinghouse argued that the risks of his method could be managed through better engineering and safety precautions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

But Constanza Medel, a 29-year-old occupational therapist, sees AI "as a clear benefit as long as you take the proper precautions".

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

You fill them carefully, taking all precautions, double-checking.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Related Words

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