concern

[ kuhn-surn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to relate to; be connected with; be of interest or importance to; affect:

   The water shortage concerns us all.

   Synonyms: involve, touch

2. to interest or engage (used reflexively or in the passive, often followed by with or in ):

   She concerns herself with every aspect of the business.

3. to trouble, worry, or disquiet:

   I am concerned about his health.

   Synonyms: disturb

noun

1. something that relates or pertains to a person; business; affair:

   Law is the concern of lawyers.

2. a matter that engages a person's attention, interest, or care, or that affects a person's welfare or happiness:

   The party was no concern of his.

   Synonyms: responsibility, burden

3. worry, solicitude, or anxiety:

   to show concern for someone in trouble.

   Antonyms: indifference

4. important relation or bearing:

   This news is of concern to all of us.

5. a commercial or manufacturing company or establishment:

   the headquarters of an insurance concern.

   Synonyms: house, firm

6. Informal. any material object or contrivance.

concern

/ kənˈsɜːn /

verb

1. to relate to; be of importance or interest to; affect
2. usually foll bywith or in to involve or interest (oneself)

   he concerns himself with other people's affairs

noun

1. something that affects or is of importance to a person; affair; business
2. regard for or interest in a person or a thing

   he felt a strong concern for her

3. anxiety, worry, or solicitude
4. important bearing or relation

   his news has great concern for us

5. a commercial company or enterprise
6. informal.
   a material thing, esp one of which one has a low opinion

Other Words From

• over·con·cern noun verb (used with object)
• precon·cern noun verb (used with object)
• self-con·cern noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of concern¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English concernen, from Middle French concerner, from Medieval Latin concernere “to relate to, distinguish,” from Late Latin: “to mix for sifting,” from Latin con- con- + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”

Word History and Origins

Origin of concern¹

C15: from Late Latin concernere to mingle together, from Latin com- together + cernere to sift, distinguish

Idioms and Phrases

see as far as that goes (is concerned) ; to whom it may concern .

Example Sentences

Scruff believes that sex is not the primary concern of users.

From The Daily Beast

We have to share those feelings of concern that the people are feeling.

From The Daily Beast

The economy has begun to add jobs, but the quality of those jobs is an increasing concern.

From The Daily Beast

Until concern trolls like Sarah Ditum came along trying to cover it up again.

From The Daily Beast

There is a lot of residual concern that Lizard Squad was able to get even this far.

From The Daily Beast

He turned at the sound of my voice with vastly more concern than he'd betrayed under the muzzle of Piegan's gun.

From Project Gutenberg

It stands very much in the way of that universal adult education which is our present concern.

From Project Gutenberg

That—and no existing institution and no current issue—is the primary concern of the present age.

From Project Gutenberg

I desire and am endeavoring to be on my guard respecting matters which concern his inclination and not his reason.

From Project Gutenberg

The news caused general concern throughout the house, and Ethne was frightfully upset.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bother
• disturb
• interest
• involve
• perturb
• regard
• trouble
• worry