1. protection against possible undesirable event: an action taken to protect against possible harm or trouble or to limit the damage if something goes wrong
2. caution to forestall future trouble: the foresight to protect against possible harm or trouble or to limit the damage if something goes wrong
[Late 16th century. Via French< late Latin precaution-< Latin precaut-, past participle of praecavere, literally "take care before" < cavere "take heed"]
