Definition of "precaution" []

• An action taken in advance to protect against possible danger, failure, or injury; a safeguard: followed safety precautions when using heavy machinery. (noun)
• Caution practiced in advance; forethought or circumspection: a need for precaution when planning a vacation. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In this connection, the term precaution must not be used as a guise for trade protectionist measures as this would have the effect of casting doubt upon, and even undermining, environmental as well as trade policy objectives."
• "Tamiflu already has a label precaution about this potential side effect, which drew attention two years ago after reports of 12 deaths and about three dozen neuropsychiatric events in Japan in 2000 to 2005."
• ""I grant that precaution is necessary in dealing with them," Joan agreed; "but I believe that more satisfactory results can be obtained by treating them with discreet kindness and gentleness.""