precaution

Universal Words noun [oftenpl.] 1 ~ (against sth) something that is done in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger: safety precautions * precautions against fire * You must take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your family. * I'll keep the letter as a precaution. 2 (precautions) [pl.] a way of referring to CONTRACEPTION: We didn't take any precautions and I got pregnant. precautionary adjective: He was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.