Precaution
prɪˈkɔːʃən
Definitions
An action taken beforehand to protect against a possible danger or failure; a safeguard.
prɪˈkɔːʃən
A measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening.
The doctor advised us to take extra precautions.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going on a hike. A precaution is like packing a first-aid kit *before* you start, just in case you get a scrape or a blister. It's doing something to be safe and prepared for anything!
👶 For kids: A precaution is something you do to be safe, like wearing a helmet when you ride your bike!
More Examples
The company implemented safety precautions to protect its workers.
As a precaution, she always carries a spare key.
How It's Used
"Doctors take precautions to prevent the spread of infection."
"Safety precautions were clearly stated in the manual."
"Take precautions against the sun during the summer."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take precautions
To do something to prevent something dangerous or bad from happening.
"The police told people to take precautions after the earthquake."
as a precaution
In order to prevent something bad from happening.
"As a precaution, they evacuated the building."
From Middle French *précaut*, from Latin *praecavere* 'to be on one's guard', from *prae-* 'before' + *cavere* 'to beware'.
The word precaution has been used since the early 17th century, initially meaning 'previous care or caution'.
Memory tip
Think of PRE-CAUTION, meaning you take action BEFORE something bad happens.
Word Origin
"prae- (before) + cavere (to beware)"