precaution — a measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening
Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈkɔːʃən/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother takes the precaution of hiding cookies from herself so she won't eat them all at once.
- The school took precautions by installing security cameras after several lunch money thefts.
- As a precaution against forgetting his wife's birthday, he set 15 different alarms on his phone.
precaution
NOUN[/prɪˈkɔːʃən/]
a measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening

She wears a helmet as a precaution before riding the bike.

Take precaution before the storm’s caution becomes destruction.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'praecautio', derived from 'praecavere' meaning 'to guard against beforehand'. The word combines the prefix 'prae-' (before) with 'cavere' (to beware or guard).
Breakdown
pre- (before) + caution (from Latin cavere, to beware) + -ion (noun suffix) = precaution (a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother takes the precaution of hiding cookies from herself so she won't eat them all at once.”
“The school took precautions by installing security cameras after several lunch money thefts.”
“As a precaution against forgetting his wife's birthday, he set 15 different alarms on his phone.”
“The government urged citizens to take precautions during the flu season.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.