cautionary measures

[/kɔːˈʃəneri ˈmeʒərz/]
nounpl: cautionary measures
medidas cautelares
1. Actions or procedures taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted from happening
The government implemented cautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
O governo implementou medidas cautelares para prevenir a propagação da doença.
2. Preventive steps taken as a precaution against potential risks or threats
As a cautionary measure, all passengers were screened before boarding.
Como medida cautelar, todos os passageiros foram rastreados antes do embarque.
3. Legal or administrative actions taken to protect rights or prevent harm pending a final decision
The court ordered cautionary measures to freeze the defendant's assets.
O tribunal ordenou medidas cautelares para congelar os bens do réu.
In Brazil, 'medidas cautelares' is extensively used in legal proceedings to refer to temporary protective orders. The term gained prominence during public health crises like COVID-19, where 'medidas cautelares' became part of everyday vocabulary. In the USA, cautionary measures are deeply embedded in litigation culture and workplace safety protocols, reflecting a litigious society's emphasis on risk prevention.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
precautionary measurespreventive measuresprotective measuressafeguardsprecautions
Antonyms / Antônimos
reckless actionsnegligent conductrisky behavior

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
medidas cautelares
Most common usage in legal and administrative contexts
General Brazilian
medidas preventivas
Common in health and safety contexts
Portugal
medidas cautelares
Standard legal terminology, identical to Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
medidas de precaução
Alternative phrasing used in general contexts

Related Words

precautionpreventionsafeguardprotectiveinjunctioninterim measures

Related Idioms & Phrases

take precautions
play it safe
better safe than sorry
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
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