Definition

1. Noun:
   • A measure taken in advance to prevent harm, danger, or an undesirable event: An action or arrangement designed to avoid potential problems or risks.
   • The quality of being cautious or exercising forethought: The trait of practicing carefulness and planning ahead to mitigate risks.

Usage

The word "precaution" is used to describe both the action of taking preventive steps and the principle of acting with foresight. It is commonly followed by prepositions like "against," "for," or "of." It is a formal word often used in contexts of safety, health, and security.

Examples

• As a preventive measure:
  • As a precaution, all passengers must fasten their seatbelts during takeoff.
  • She took the precaution of backing up her files before updating the software.
• Referring to the principle of foresight:
  • The project's success was due to the team's precaution and thorough planning.
  • He acted with great precaution when handling the fragile artifacts.

Advanced Usage

• "As a precaution" / "As a precautionary measure": Phrases used to indicate that an action is being taken to prevent something bad from happening.
  • The building was evacuated as a precaution after the gas leak was detected.
• "To take precautions (against something)": The standard phrase for describing the act of implementing preventive actions.
  • It is wise to take precautions against identity theft.

Variants and Related Words

• Precautionary (adjective): Intended to prevent harm or trouble.
  • The government issued a precautionary warning about the approaching storm.
• Precautions (plural noun): Multiple measures taken for safety.
  • All necessary precautions were in place for the experiment.

Synonyms

• Safeguard: A measure taken to protect someone or something.
• Preventive measure: An action intended to stop something from occurring.
• Foresight: The ability to predict and plan for the future.
• Care: Serious attention or thought to avoid harm.

Antonyms

• Negligence: Failure to take proper care.
• Recklessness: Lack of regard for danger or consequences.
• Imprudence: Lack of discretion or wisdom in action.

Related Phrases

• "Better safe than sorry": An idiom expressing the wisdom of taking precautions.
  • I'll bring an umbrella as a precaution—better safe than sorry.
• "Err on the side of caution": To choose a course of action that is the safest, even if it might be excessive.
  • The doctor decided to err on the side of caution and order more tests.

Noun

1. judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
   • he exercised caution in opening the door
   • he handled the vase with care
2. the trait of practicing caution in advance
3. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
   • he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
   • an insurance policy is a good safeguard
   • we let our guard down