precaution

American  

[pri-kaw-shuhn] / prɪˈkɔ ʃən /

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

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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

• precautionary adjective
• precautious adjective
• unprecautioned adjective

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

“When you have that combination where you have a larger shark, and you observe aggressive behavior, we take precaution and implemented a 24-hour water closure,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

"He had not taken... an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The units were shut down as a safety precaution and an assessment of the consequences for refinery operations at the site is underway, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Traffic across King Fahd Bridge, a major artery connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain, was temporarily closed as a precaution, authorities said, following the issuance of security alerts in the area.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

She had brought many treats along as a safety precaution, and the wool for her knitting could always be used as a leash in a pinch.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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