Meaning & Definition of Precaution in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: An action taken to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening.

  Example Sentence: He took the precaution of locking the door before leaving.

• Definition: A step or measure undertaken to ensure safety or to minimize risk.

  Example Sentence: The school implemented several precautions to protect the students during the pandemic.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'praecautio' meaning 'caution beforehand'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• better safe than sorry: It's better to take precautions than to regret not doing so.
• a stitch in time saves nine: Taking a precaution now can prevent bigger problems later.
• prevention is better than cure: It's wiser to take precautions against potential problems than to face consequences.

Translations

• Spanish: precaución

• French: précaution

• German: Vorsichtsmaßnahme

• Russian: предосторожность

Related Words

• caution: The practice of being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

• safety: The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.

• risk: The possibility of something bad happening.