cautionary
adjective
- serving as a warning
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːʃənəɹi/ / /ˈkɔːʃənɹi/ / /ˈkɔʃəˌnɛɹi/
adj
Etymology: Etymology tree Medieval Latin cautiōnāriusbor. English cautionary Borrowed from Medieval Latin cautiōnārius.
- Serving to caution or warn; admonitory
“Most parents were optimistic, but others sounded a cautionary note.”
- Serving to ward off; preventive
- Held as security or hostage