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

---

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

---

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

French authorities ordered the evacuation of towns near the southwestern city of Bordeaux "as a precaution", as wildfires moved towards the area.

From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 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

Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

And issuing from my asylum with precaution, I sought a back-stairs which conducted directly to the kitchen.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Sable maintains it has fully repaired the pipelines and that the company adheres to stringent safety precautions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

"By taking simple precautions, everyone can play a part in helping prevent further incidents."

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Americans may also want to consider other precautions, like not buying bagged lettuce or salad kits.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city is going to make sure all its conversion projects are following necessary regulations and safety precautions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

These were sensible precautions, but the truth is that Groves had more than safety on his mind.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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