precautionary

comparative more precautionary · superlative most precautionary

1. Of, pertaining to, or serving as a precaution.

   The port cities were quarantined as a precautionary measure, though no cases of the disease had been found.

   2 more examples

   Fearing attack on the northern ports by the English, he even took precautionary measures by strengthening the defense of Shan-hai-kuan 山海關 and Ch‘in-huang-tao 秦皇島.

   1941, Huang Yen-yü, “Viceroy Yeh Ming-ch‘ên and the Canton Episode (1856-1861)”, in Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, volume 6, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard-Yenching Institute, →ISSN, →OCLC, pages 46–47

   Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, issued a statement in support of the raids and signed a proclamation Friday to activate the National Guard as a precautionary measure “in anticipation of anti-ICE protests” this weekend.

   2025 June 15, Nicole Acevedo, “How a city in Nebraska is recovering after the state's largest worksite immigration raid”, in NBC News

plural precautionaries

1. obsoleteA precaution.

   Thou seest, Belford, by the above precautionaries, that I forget nothing.

   1748, [Samuel Richardson], Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by John Osborn, […], →OCLC