n.
Pronunciation: pri- ' ko ̇ -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: French précaution, from Late Latin praecaution-, praecautio, from Latin praecav ē re to guard against, from prae- + cav ē re to be on one's guard ― more at HEAR
Date: 1603
1 : care taken in advance : FORESIGHT <warned of the need for precaution >
2 : a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : SAFEGUARD <take the necessary precaution s >
– pre · cau · tion · ary \ -sh ə - ˌ ner- ē \ adjective