precaution
[noun]
Synonyms:
- safeguard, insurance, protection, provision, safety measure
- forethought, care, caution, providence, prudence, wariness

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

pre‧cau‧tion /prɪˈkɔːʃən $ -ˈkɒː-/ 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.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

precaution
noun
ADJ. sensible, wise | adequate, proper, reasonable | necessary | elaborate | basic, simple You'll be quite safe if you observe certain basic precautions.
every We take every precaution to ensure that you have a comfortable journey.
extra, special | fire, safety, security
VERB + PRECAUTION follow, observe, take
PREP. as a ~ She had to stay in hospital overnight, just as a precaution.
~ against a precaution against customers who try to leave without paying
~ for Staff are expected to take reasonable precautions for their own safety.
~ of I took the precaution of turning the water supply off first.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

precaution

take a precaution
We had taken the precaution of turning the water off.
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.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲