1. (n.) Previous caution or care; preparation made in advance for trouble or emergency\; as, his life was saved by precaution.

2. (n.) A measure taken beforehand to ward off evil or secure good or success; a precautionary act; as, to take precautions against accident.

3. (v. t.) To warn or caution beforehand.

4. (v. t.) To take precaution against.

alertness anticipation apprehension attention canniness care caution cautiousness chariness circumspection cover discreetness discretion escape forearming forebode forehandedness foresight foresightedness forethought forethoughtfulness forewarn give advance notice insurance measures portend precautions precautiousness premonish prenotify preventive measure prewarn protection providence provision prudence safeguard steps steps and measures tell in advance vigilance wariness watchfulness