noun
precaution
prih-KAW-shun/prɪˈkɔːʃn/
An action taken beforehand to reduce risk or harm.
He takes the precaution of fastening his helmet before riding.
Etymology
The pieces express care exercised beforehand. The underlying verb meant guarding against something in advance, so a precaution is a preventive measure rather than merely a feeling of caution.
In context
riot control maps are checked as a precaution several thousand students gather outside the American Embassy to protest
More examples
- We packed spare batteries as a precaution.
- Several precautions reduced the chance of damage.
- Taking that simple precaution prevented a larger problem.
Forms
precaution · precautions
Similar words
- safeguard
- A protective measure that need not be taken beforehand.
- preventive
- A preventive is intended to stop a problem rather than merely reduce a possible risk.