precaution in WordNet English dictionary

1. judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
   "he exercised caution in opening the door"; "he handled the vase with care"
   caution  precaution  care  forethought 
   
2. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
   "he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution"; "an insurance policy is a good safeguard"; "we let our guard down"
   precaution  safeguard  guard 
   
3. the trait of practicing caution in advance
   precaution