/ prɪˈkɔːʃn; NAmE / noun [ usually pl. ]
1.
precaution (against sth) something that is done in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger :
safety precautions
precautions against fire
You must take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your family.
I'll keep the letter as a precaution .
2.
precautions [ pl. ] a way of referring to contraception :
We didn't take any precautions and I got pregnant.
► pre·cau·tion·ary / prɪˈkɔːʃənəri; NAmE -neri/ adjective :
He was kept in the hospital overnight as a precautionary measure .
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (in the sense prudent foresight ): from French précaution , from late Latin praecautio(n-) , from Latin praecavere , from prae before + cavere take heed, beware of.