First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1care
noun \ˈker\
: effort made to do something correctly, safely, or without causing damage
: things that are done to keep someone healthy, safe, etc.
: things that are done to keep something in good condition
Full Definition of CARE
1
: suffering of mind : grief
2
a : a disquieted state of mixed uncertainty, apprehension, and responsibility b : a cause for such anxiety
3
a : painstaking or watchful attention b : maintenance <floor-care products>
4
: regard coming from desire or esteem
5
: charge, supervision <under a doctor's care>
6
: a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude
See care defined for English-language learners
See care defined for kids
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Origin of CARE
Middle English, from Old English caru; akin to Old High German kara lament, Old Irish gairm call, cry, Latin garrire to chatter
Related to CARE
- Synonyms
- carefulness, closeness, conscientiousness, heed, heedfulness, meticulosity, meticulousness, pains, scrupulousness
- Antonyms
- heedlessness, inattentiveness, negligence
Synonym Discussion of CARE
care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension <a face worn by years of care>. concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection <crimes caused concern in the neighborhood>. solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another <acted with typical maternal solicitude>. anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure <plagued by anxiety and self-doubt>. worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety <financial worries>.
Rhymes with CARE
air, Ayr, bare, bear, Blair, blare, chair, chare, dare, Dare, e'er, ere, err, eyre, fair, fare, flair, flare, glair, glare, hair, hare, Herr, heir, lair, mare, ne'er, pair, pare, pear, prayer, rare, rear, scare, share, snare, spare, square, stair, stare, swear, tare, tear, their, there, vair, ware, wear, weir, where, yare
2care
verb
: to feel interest in something : to be interested in or concerned about something
: to feel affection for someone
: to want to do something or to be something
caredcar·ing
Full Definition of CARE
intransitive verb
1
a : to feel trouble or anxiety b : to feel interest or concern <care about freedom>
2
: to give care <care for the sick>
3
a : to have a liking, fondness, or taste <don't care for your attitude> b : to have an inclination <would you care for some pie>
transitive verb
1
: to be concerned about or to the extent of <don't care what they say> <doesn't care a damn>
2
: wish <if you care to go>
— car·er noun
— care less
: not to care —used positively and negatively with the same meaning <I could care less what happens> <I couldn't care less what happens>
See care defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CARE
before 12th century
Related to CARE
- Synonyms
- look out (for), mind, watch
CARING Defined for Kids
1care
noun \ˈker\
Definition of CARE for Kids
1
: serious attention <Care is needed when crossing a busy street.>
2
: protection 1, supervision <The injured player is under a doctor's care.>
3
: proper maintenance of property or equipment
4
: a feeling of concern or worry <He acts as if he hasn't a care in the world.>
2care
verb
caredcar·ing
Definition of CARE for Kids
1
: to feel interest or concern <We care about what happens to you.>
2
: to provide help, protection, or supervision to : look after <His job is to care for the sick.>
3
: to have a liking or desire <Do you care for more tea?>
Medical Dictionary
care
noun \ˈka(ə)r, ˈke(ə)r\
Medical Definition of CARE
: responsibility for or attention to health, well-being, and safety—see acute care, health care, intensive care, primary care, tertiary care
—care intransitive verb, cared car·ing
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