Precaution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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precaution
[prɪˈkɔːʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
safety measures
Precaution refers to actions taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening. It involves being careful and thoughtful to avoid potential risks.
Synonyms
measure, prevention, safeguard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| precaution |
Use this word when talking about actions taken to avoid potential danger or problems. It often implies careful consideration ahead of time.
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| prevention |
This is appropriate when talking about actions intended to stop something bad from happening in the first place. It is often used in health, safety, and social contexts.
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| safeguard |
This word is best used when discussing actions taken to protect someone or something from harm, risks, or threats. It often implies a protective or defensive measure.
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| measure |
This word fits best when discussing specific actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result. It usually has a more formal tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, including safety, policy, and procedures.
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Examples of usage
- Taking precautions such as wearing a seatbelt can save lives in a car accident.
- As a precaution, the company implemented strict security measures to protect sensitive information.
- It's always better to take precautions than to deal with the consequences of being unprepared.
medical context
In a medical context, precaution refers to measures taken to prevent the spread of disease or infection. This can include wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and practicing good hygiene.
Synonyms
health precaution, preventive measure, safety measure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| precaution |
General term used to describe actions taken to prevent a possible danger or problem.
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| preventive measure |
Actions taken to prevent something from happening, typically used in more formal or technical contexts, including health, security, and planning.
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| health precaution |
Specific to actions taken to avoid health-related risks. Often used in medical or wellness contexts.
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| safety measure |
Actions specifically intended to ensure safety, commonly used in contexts like construction, manufacturing, and public spaces.
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Examples of usage
- The hospital staff followed strict precautions to avoid the spread of the virus to other patients.
- As a precaution, travelers are advised to get vaccinated before visiting certain countries.
- Taking precautions such as washing hands regularly can help prevent the flu.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Safety
- In healthcare, precautions are vital to prevent infections, such as washing hands before surgery.
- Driving safely uses precautions like wearing seatbelts and obeying speed limits to avoid accidents.
Environment
- Precautionary measures are crucial during natural disasters to protect lives, such as evacuation plans.
- In environmental science, the precautionary principle advises acting to prevent harm even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully understood.
Business
- Businesses often take precautions against data breaches, such as using strong passwords and encryption.
- Risk management involves planning precautions to mitigate financial losses in uncertain markets.
Psychology
- People may take mental precautions by preparing for possible outcomes in stressful situations.
- Cognitive biases can sometimes hinder people from recognizing when precautions are necessary, leading to poor decisions.
Origin of 'precaution'
Main points about word origin
- This term comes from the Latin 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'cautio' meaning 'care'.
- It has been used in English since the 16th century, emphasizing early action for safety.
The word 'precaution' originated from the Latin word 'praecautio', which means 'a precaution, a safeguard'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of taking precautions has always been essential for human survival and safety, dating back to early civilizations that implemented measures to protect themselves from harm. Today, precautions are emphasized in various aspects of life, from health and safety to security and environmental protection.
See also: precautionary.