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.