The Chinese word **防范** is a compound formed by combining two characters, each with related meanings, to create a nuanced concept. The first character, **防** (fáng), means "to guard against," "to defend," or "to prevent." The second character, **范** (fàn), originally means "model" or "pattern," but in this context, it extends to mean "to restrict" or "to set limits within a boundary." When combined, **防范** synthesizes these ideas to express the proactive action of **taking precautions** or **implementing safeguards**—it implies not just a simple defense (防) but a comprehensive, pre-emptive strategy to control and avert risks within a defined scope (范), hence translating best as "to guard against," "to take precautions against," or "to be on alert."