precaution

Precaution refers to a proactive action taken in advance to prevent harm or reduce risk in the face of uncertainty. It encompasses measures, arrangements, or behavior intended to lessen potential negative outcomes when evidence is incomplete or inconclusive. Precautions can be administrative (policies, procedures), technical (safety devices, engineering controls), or personal (protective equipment, hygiene practices). The concept is applied across many domains, including health, safety, engineering, and environmental protection.

In public policy and risk management, the precautionary principle guides decision making in the presence of scientific uncertainty by prioritizing protective action. When there is plausible risk but lacking consensus about harm, authorities may restrict activities or require measures to prevent, reduce, or mitigate potential harm. Critics argue that overreliance on precaution can impede innovation or impose costs, so the principle is typically framed with requirements such as proportionality, reversibility, transparency, and consistent application.

Origin and related terms: The term precaution derives from Latin roots meaning "to take before" caution or forethought. In everyday use, synonyms include safeguard, preventive measure, and preemptive action. Related concepts include risk assessment, risk management, and the precautionary principle, which distinguishes policy guidance from individual precautions taken in daily life.