WordWeb Online

1. A precautionary measure warding off impending danger, damage or injury etc.
   "he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution";
   - safeguard, guard
    
2. The trait of practising caution in advance
    
3. Judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
   "he exercised precaution in opening the door";
   - caution, care, forethought

Derived forms: precautions

Type of: caution, circumspection, judiciousness, measure, step