Câre'ful, a.

(4), a. 1. Attentive to support and protect; provident; — with of or for. Thou hast been careful for us with all this care. 2 Kings iv. 13. What could a careful father more have done? Dryden. 2. Giving good heed; watchful; cautious. In careful watch Round their metropolis. Milton. 3. Full of care; anxious; solicitous. The careful plowman doubting stands. Milton. 4. Filling with care or solicitude; exposing to concern, anxiety, or trouble; painful. [Obs.] The careful cold beginneth for to creep. Spenser. By him that raised me to this careful height. Shak. Syn.—Anxious; solicitous; disturbed; troubled; provident; thoughtful; cautious; circumspect; heedful; watchful; vigilant.