pre·cau·tion 
(prĭ-kôshən)
(prĭ-kôshən)n.
1. An action taken in advance to protect against possible danger, failure, or injury; a safeguard: followed safety precautions when using heavy machinery.
2. Caution practiced in advance; forethought or circumspection: a need for precaution when planning a vacation.
[Late Latin praecautiō, praecautiōn-, from praecautus, past participle of Latin praecavēre, to guard against : prae-, pre- + cavēre, to beware.]