Precaution

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Previous caution or care; caution previously employed to prevent mischief or secure good; as, his life was saved by precaution. They [ancient philosophers] treasured up their supposed discoveries with miserable precaution. J. H. Newman.

2. A measure taken beforehand to ward off evil or secure good or success; a precautionary act; as, to take precautions against accident.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To warn or caution beforehand. Locke.

2. To take precaution against. [R.] Dryden.