precaution
Safety step beforehand
A precaution is something done in advance to prevent harm or prepare for danger: Take precautions against sunburn.
The word implies foresight—acting before a problem arises rather than reacting afterward.
As a precaution, she backed up all her files.
To take precautions during sex usually means using contraception or protection against disease.
Ability to anticipate futures
- preparationArranging things in advance
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- forethoughtPlanning before acting
prevention · provision · preemption · mitigation · redundancy · fallback · buffer
Protective head covering
- seatbeltVehicle passenger restraint
- vaccineDisease prevention injection
- immunizationProtective medical injection
- sunscreenUV-blocking skin cream
gloves · goggles · mask · condom · guardrail · airbag · harness · PPE
Precaution against harm
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
- guidelineRecommended standard for action
- checkpointInspection station on route
regulation · standard · policy · screening · inspection · verification · testing · compliance
foresight
Ability to anticipate futures
- preparationArranging things in advance
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- contingencyUncertain possible event
forethought · prevention · provision · preemption · mitigation · redundancy · fallback · buffer
helmet
Protective head covering
- seatbeltVehicle passenger restraint
- vaccineDisease prevention injection
- immunizationProtective medical injection
sunscreen · gloves · goggles · mask · condom · guardrail · airbag · harness · PPE · insurance
safeguard
Precaution against harm
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
- guidelineRecommended standard for action
checkpoint · regulation · standard · policy · screening · inspection · verification · testing · compliance · audit
wary
Guardedly alert
- vigilantKeenly aware of danger
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
mindful · circumspect · guarded · prudent · alert · heedful · apprehensive · leery · hesitant · distrustful
- foresightforesight, precognition, futurology, forethought, premonition
- Playing it safeprudence, baby steps, waiting, hesitation, restraint
- prudencediscretion, foresight, forethought, judiciousness, carefulness
- safety measureshandwashing, backup plan, fire prevention, fire drills, escape route
- safety mindsetvigilance, awareness, prevention, preparedness, alertness
- carechild care, elder care, health care, home care, medical care
precautioncarelessness
Inattention causing mistakes
recklessness · negligence · incaution · imprudence · thoughtlessness
precautionreaction
Response to stimulus
afterthought · remedy · response · cure · damage control
precautionrecklessness
Careless disregard for danger
risk-taking · daring · gambling · bravado · abandon
- safety precautionsMeasures preventing injury
- precautionary measuresPreventive actions against risk
- precautionary principleProtect first, prove later