precaution

• Action entreprise à l'avance pour éviter un danger, un inconvénient ou un mal, ou qualité de celui qui est prudent et prévoyant face à un risque.

A noun referring to an action taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or harmful from happening, or the quality of being cautious and prudent to avoid risk or danger.

1. Preventive actionB1formal

   An action taken in advance to protect against possible danger, failure, or injury.

   Mesure de prévention

   • As a precaution, she always wears a helmet when cycling.
   • The company installed fire alarms as a safety precaution.
   • Taking the medicine early is a precaution against the illness worsening.

   Synonymesguardinsuranceprophylacticprotectionprovisionsafeguard

   Antonymesnegligencerecklessness

2. Cautious behaviorB2formal

   The quality of being careful and planning ahead to avoid risks or problems.

   prudence

   • His precaution in checking the equipment saved them from a breakdown.
   • She showed great precaution by double-checking all the locks before leaving.
   • Precaution is essential when handling hazardous materials.

   Synonymescarefulnesscautioncircumspectionforesightprudencevigilancewariness

   Antonymescarelessnessimprudencenegligencerashnessrecklessness

3. Good judgment for safetyB2formal

   The wise practice of avoiding harm or danger through careful thought and action.

   Précaution (sens de prudence)

   • Using sunscreen is a simple precaution against skin damage.
   • He exercised precaution by not walking alone at night.
   • Precaution in financial matters can prevent major losses.

   Synonymescarecautioncircumspectionforesightforethoughtprudencevigilancewariness