1. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc. (Freq. 5) - he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution - an insurance policy is a good safeguard - we let our guard down • Syn: safeguard, guard • Derivationally related forms: safeguard (for: safeguard), precautionary • Hypernyms: measure, step • Hyponyms: backstop, security, security measures 2. the trait of practicing caution in advance (Freq. 2) • Hypernyms: circumspection, caution 3. judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger (Freq. 1) - he exercised caution in opening the door - he handled the vase with care • Syn: caution, care, forethought • Derivationally related forms: cautious (for: caution) • Hypernyms: judiciousness
