The noun precaution has 3 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (5) precaution, safeguard, guard -- (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")
2. (2) precaution -- (the trait of practicing caution in advance)
3. (1) caution, precaution, care, forethought -- (judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger; "he exercised caution in opening the door"; "he handled the vase with care")