precaution

pre-cau-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening.

  2. 2.

    Caution exercised beforehand; prudent foresight.

Forms

plural: precautions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    take precautions — To do things to prevent something bad from happening
  • •
    as a precaution — Done to prevent possible problems
  • •
    safety precaution — A measure to prevent accidents or injury

Related words

Antonyms: carelessness, negligence
See also: caution, prevention, safety
Synonyms: preventive measure, protection, safeguard, safety measure

Etymology

From Late Latin praecautio, from Latin praecavere ("to guard against"), from prae- ("before") + cavere ("to beware, take care").