PRECAUTION


Meaning of PRECAUTION in English

pre ‧ cau ‧ tion /prɪˈkɔːʃ ə n $ -ˈkɒː-/ BrE AmE noun [countable usually plural]

[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: French ; Origin: précaution , from Latin , from praecavere 'to guard against' ]

something you do in order to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening:

Fire precautions were neglected.

as a precaution

The traffic barriers were put there as a safety precaution.

precaution against

Save your work often as a precaution against computer failure.

wise/sensible precaution

The trails are well marked, but carrying a map is a wise precaution.

Vets took precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

take the precaution of doing something

I took the precaution of insuring my camera.

REGISTER

In everyday English, people usually say just in case rather than as a precaution :

I'm going to take my umbrella just in case.

• • •

COLLOCATIONS

■ verbs

▪ take a precaution

We had taken the precaution of turning the water off.

■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + precaution

▪ a sensible/wise precaution

Fitting window locks is a sensible precaution.

▪ a simple precaution

You can easily reduce the risk of theft by taking a few simple precautions.

▪ a necessary precaution

He justified his secrecy as a necessary precaution.

▪ a reasonable precaution

You must take all reasonable precautions to safeguard official property.

▪ adequate/proper precautions

Companies have a legal responsibility to take adequate precautions against fire.

▪ basic/elementary precautions

Your home could be at risk if you don't take some basic precautions.

▪ elaborate precautions (=a lot of detailed precautions)

Elaborate precautions were taken to avoid disputes between the representatives.

▪ a safety precaution

Both areas were cordoned off as a safety precaution.

▪ a security precaution

The threat of terrorist attacks has prompted some elaborate security precautions.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.      Longman - Словарь современного английского языка.