precautionnoun
uk/prɪˈkɔː.ʃən/us/prɪˈkɑː.ʃən/C1 [ C ] an action that is done to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous happening:
Many people have been stockpiling food as a precaution against shortages.
They failed to take the necessary precautions to avoid infection.
precautions [ plural ]
a polite way of referring to contraception (= methods that prevent a woman becoming pregnant):
If you're going to have sex, make sure you take precautions.
More examples
- The inquiry into the disaster damns the company for its lack of safety precautions.
- Safety precautions are observed as a matter of course.
- Millions of travellers fail to take even the most elementary of precautions.
- Doctors are legally obliged to take certain precautions.
- The tighter security precautions include video cameras in the city centre.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Protection and protectors
- aegis
- auspices
- bailiff
- bandobast
- beefeater
- buffer
- conservation
- guard
- guardian
- homeland security
- janitor
- minder
- night watchman
- preservation
- ranger
- self-protection
- sentinel
- shield
- warden
- watchman
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Obstetrics: contraception
precautionary
adjective uk/prɪˈkɔː.ʃən.ər.i/us/prɪˈkɑː.ʃən.er.i/
The company has withdrawn the drug as a precautionary measure.