precaution

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a precautionary measure warding off impending danger, damage or injury

   I put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution.

2. 2
   noun

   Previous caution or care; caution previously employed to prevent misfortune or to secure good.

   His life was saved by precaution.

3. 3
   noun

   A measure taken beforehand to ward off evil or secure good or success; a precautionary act.

   To take precautions against risks of accident.

4. 4
   noun

   the trait of practicing caution in advance

From French précaution, Latin praecautio, from praecavere, praecautum (“to guard against beforehand”); prae (“before”) + cavere (“be on one's guard”). See pre-, and caution.

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