care

[ kair ]

See synonyms for care on Thesaurus.com

noun

a state of mind in which one is troubled; worry, anxiety, or concern: He was never free from care.
a cause or object of worry, anxiety, concern, etc.: Their son has always been a great care to them.

serious attention; solicitude; heed; caution: She devotes great care to her work.
the provision of what is needed for the well-being or protection of a person or thing: He is under the care of a doctor. With proper care, the watch will last a lifetime.
temporary keeping, as for the benefit of or until claimed by the owner: He left his valuables in the care of friends. Address my mail in care of the American Embassy.
grief; suffering; sorrow.

verb (used without object),cared, car·ing.

to be concerned or solicitous; have thought or regard.
to be concerned or have a special preference (usually used in negative constructions): I don't care if I do.

to make provision or look out (usually followed by for): Will you care for the children while I am away?
to have an inclination, liking, fondness, or affection (usually followed by for): Would you care for dessert? I don't care for him very much.

verb (used with object),cared, car·ing.

to feel concern about: He doesn't care what others say.
to wish; desire; like: Would you care to dance?

Idioms about care

couldn't care less, could not care less; be completely unconcerned: I couldn't care less whether she goes to the party or not.: Also could care less.
take care,
- be alert; be careful: Take care that you don't fall on the ice!
- take care of yourself; goodbye: used as an expression of parting.

take care of,
- to watch over; be responsible for: to take care of an invalid.
- to act on; deal with; attend to: to take care of paying a bill.

Origin of care

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun care “sadness, sorrow, grief,” Old English caru, cearu, cognate with Gothic kara, Old High German chara “lament”

synonym study For care

3. To take care, pains, trouble (to do something) implies watchful, conscientious effort to do something exactly right. To take care implies the performance of one particular detail: She took care to close the cover before striking the match. To take pains suggests a sustained carefulness, an effort to see that nothing is overlooked but that every small detail receives attention: to take pains with fine embroidery. To take trouble implies an effort that requires a considerable amount of activity and exertion: to take the trouble to make suitable arrangements.

usage note For care

13. Couldn't care less, a phrase used to express indifference, is sometimes heard as could care less, which ought to mean the opposite but is intended to be synonymous with the former phrase. Both versions are common mainly in informal speech.

Other words from care

carer, noun
non·car·ing, adjective
o·ver·care, noun
un·car·ing, adjective

Other definitions for CARE (2 of 2)

CARE

or Care

[ kair ]

noun

a private organization for the collection of funds, goods, etc., for distribution to people in foreign countries who need aid.

Origin of CARE

First recorded in 1945–50; shortening of C(ooperative for) A(merican) R(elief) E(verywhere)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use care in a sentence

Morgan State University and Northern Virginia Community College have received $1 million each to help students find careers in areas such as cryptocurrency and health care, officials on both campuses announced this week.
Morgan State University, Northern Virginia Community College receive grants for job training programs | Lauren Lumpkin | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
The nouveau is the hobbyhorse of Christine and Dennis Vrooman, while their son, Nathan, “takes care of the serious wines,” Christine Vrooman says.
We deserve ‘nouveau’ wine in 2020 — a vintage meant to be fun and drunk right away | Dave McIntyre | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
In Maryland, new weekly infections among residents and staff at long-term care facilities have increased tenfold since the start of October, according to a Washington Post analysis of state data.
Maryland and Virginia nursing homes battle explosive covid-19 outbreaks — again | Rebecca Tan, Rachel Chason | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
Also starting Friday, in-person visits to nursing homes have been limited to “compassion care” visits only, and visitors will not be permitted without proof of a negative coronavirus test taken less than 72 hours prior.
Maryland’s coronavirus numbers are going up. Here’s what you need to know. | Erin Cox | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post
A living will — sometimes called an advanced health care directive — is a private document that contains instructions for medical treatment if you are unable to speak or communicate your wishes.
Hints From Heloise: Framing family memories | Heloise Heloise | November 20, 2020 | Washington Post

When we need a strong, cooperative tone to the relationship, our current posture is seen as uncaring.
Let's Get Real: Washington Can't Walk Away From Cairo | Frank G. Wisner | May 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The kind that involve zero anguished relatives screaming into the uncaring airport terminal void.
Lesser Mysteries for Those With Breaking News Fatigue | Kelly Williams Brown | March 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Nonetheless, Byers soldiers on, depicting her more than once as “uncaring.”
Leave Jill Abramson Alone, You Sexists | Tricia Romano | April 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
A dreadful new article from Politico portrays New York Times editor Jill Abramson as cold, rude, and ‘uncaring.’
Leave Jill Abramson Alone, You Sexists | Tricia Romano | April 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
We are the ones who wander along with them as they venture out into the busy, uncaring, and preoccupying world.
A Tale of Male Surrender | Simon Carr | June 20, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
Immediately, with the uncaring folly of youth, Johnson plunged into the very spot to his friends horror and anxiety.
Rowlandson's Oxford | A. Hamilton Gibbs
The massive beast rose on its hind legs, growled, and Ross walked by it uncaring, unmenaced by the puzzled animal.
The Time Traders | Andre Norton
What at the time they had known, unheeding and uncaring, assumed a vividness quite new.
The Furnace | Rose Macaulay
Evil is cruel, since it is a true reflection of the uncaring and insensate universe.
The Status Civilization | Robert Sheckley
The old government, tired and indolent, half-hearted and uncaring, was losing the war beyond hopes of recovery.
Sonia Married | Stephen McKenna

British Dictionary definitions for care (1 of 2)

care

/ (kɛə) /

verb

(when tr, may take a clause as object) to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally: he is dying, and she doesn't care
(intr; foll by for or about) to have regard, affection, or consideration (for): he cares more for his hobby than his job

(intr foll by for) to have a desire or taste (for): would you care for some tea?
(intr foll by for) to provide physical needs, help, or comfort (for): the nurse cared for her patients
(tr) to agree or like (to do something): would you care to sit down, please?
for all I care or I couldn't care less I am completely indifferent

noun

careful or serious attention: under her care the plant flourished; he does his work with care
protective or supervisory control: in the care of a doctor

(often plural) trouble; anxiety; worry
an object of or cause for concern: the baby's illness was her only care
caution: handle with care
care of at the address of: written on envelopes: Usual abbreviation: c/o
in care or into care social welfare made the legal responsibility of a local authority by order of a court

Origin of care

Old English cearu (n), cearian (vb), of Germanic origin; compare Old High German chara lament, Latin garrīre to gossip

British Dictionary definitions for CARE (2 of 2)

CARE

/ (kɛə) /

n acronym for

Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.; a federation of US charities, giving financial and technical assistance to many regions of the world
communicated authenticity, regard, empathy: the three qualities believed to be essential in the therapist practising client-centred therapy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with care

care

In addition to the idiom beginning with care

care package

also see:

couldn't care less
for all (I care)
in care of
in charge (the care of)
take care
take care of
tender loving care
that's (takes care of) that

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