precaution
Americannoun
-
a measure taken in advance to avert possible evil or to secure good results.
-
caution employed beforehand; prudent foresight.
- Synonyms:
- circumspection, prudence, forethought
verb (used with object)
noun
-
an action taken to avoid a dangerous or undesirable event
-
caution practised beforehand; circumspection
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
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing precaution
Power Prefix: pre-
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Bush's Address on 9/11
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"Women in Aviation," Vocabulary from the informational text
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“So far, no evidence has been found to indicate that it originated here, yet we are taking every precaution in case that turns out to be the case,” Kershenobich said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Around 700 people left their homes as a precaution in Le Porge, where more than 3,000 campers were also relocated, the prefecture said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
Reports in Chiapas indicated a series of after-shocks as panicked residents left their homes as a precaution.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
As a precaution against breaking my bogus mother’s heart, I planned to take her into my underworld employ in some undefined but appropriately regal capacity.
From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger
Americans may also want to consider other precautions, like not buying bagged lettuce or salad kits.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
Makhijani told an associate he took extra precautions because wanted to insulate himself from litigation and that “they were sharks in the distressed world who took advantage of people,” the affidavit stated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026
The pressure on Tehran also was evident, with its leaders taking precautions against attack despite continuing peace talks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
"By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, neighbors and community. We pray for the safety of our people," Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog had said Sunday.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
These were sensible precautions, but the truth is that Groves had more than safety on his mind.
From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
