/ ˈweəri; NAmE ˈweri/ adjective
( comparative wari·er , no superlative ) wary (of sb/sth) | wary (of doing sth) careful when dealing with sb/sth because you think that there may be a danger or problem
SYN cautious :
Be wary of strangers who offer you a ride.
She was wary of getting involved with him.
He gave her a wary look.
The police will need to keep a wary eye on this area of town (= watch it carefully, in case there is trouble) .
—compare unwary
► wari·ly / -rəli; NAmE / adverb :
The cat eyed him warily.
► wari·ness noun [ U ]:
feelings of wariness
There was a wariness in her tone.
➡ note at care
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from ware aware + -y .