4.6.5 cp -i

To prevent cp from overwriting existing files, use the -i (for interactive) option. ^[feedback]

paul@debian7:~$ cp SinkoDeMayo file42
paul@debian7:~$ cp SinkoDeMayo file42
paul@debian7:~$ cp -i SinkoDeMayo file42
cp: overwrite `file42'? n
paul@debian7:~$