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 for 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
before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English caru, cearu, cognate with Gothic kara,Old High German chara “lament”
synonym study for care
1. See concern. 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.
There would be less total health care, less child care, less energy available to households, and less value added in the university sector.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|September 17, 2020|Freakonomics
The report says a record 765 hospitals and other health care facilities participated in the annual Healthcare Equality Index survey at a time when they faced unprecedented challenges in caring for patients in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
HRC examines hospital policies, impact of COVID on LGBTQ people|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|September 16, 2020|Washington Blade
Those who say health care is their single top issue back Biden 77 percent to 19 percent.
Post-ABC Wisconsin poll shows Biden holding narrow edge over Trump|Dan Balz, Emily Guskin|September 16, 2020|Washington Post
Regulators and health care leaders, backed up by political leaders, must take the lead in building public confidence in the integrity of the entire vaccine development and distribution process.
6 questions that must be answered in the race for a vaccine|jakemeth|September 15, 2020|Fortune
Feigenholtz said she wants the agency to establish benchmarks on moving the children out of the hospitals and increasing specialized foster care, then report back to legislators.
Still No Answers to Lawmakers’ Questions About Children Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals|by Duaa Eldeib|September 15, 2020|ProPublica
He has wild swings between trying not to care about Lana and the baby, and being completely obsessed by it.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In these regions, men are now doing between 30 and 45 percent of the care work.
How Good Dads Can Change the World|Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
We also have a growing body of biological research showing that fathers, like mothers, are hard-wired to care for children.
How Good Dads Can Change the World|Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Expensive day care pushes women out of the labor market while men continue to work outside the home.
How Good Dads Can Change the World|Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Getting men to do their share of care and domestic work is a key overlooked strategy in reducing poverty.
How Good Dads Can Change the World|Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I'm sure I don't know why Miss Vavasor should care about my seeing her.
Can You Forgive Her?|Anthony Trollope
Care of the rooms was strictly included in the boarder's twenty dollars a month, but Kern was not thinking of it that way exactly.
V. V.'s Eyes|Henry Sydnor Harrison
He did not care to show himself, and he kept one of the big trees between himself and the man all the time.
All Adrift|Oliver Optic
Here, then, is the position of Mr. Lincoln set forth with deliberation and care.
History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Vol. 2 (of 2)|George Washington Williams
Moreover, the medical gentlemen then strongly recommended moderation and care in the use of food.
Soyer's Culinary Campaign|Alexis Soyer
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 emotionallyhe 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 careorI couldn't care lessI am completely indifferent
noun
careful or serious attentionunder her care the plant flourished; he does his work with care
protective or supervisory controlin the care of a doctor
(often plural)trouble; anxiety; worry
an object of or cause for concernthe baby's illness was her only care
cautionhandle with care
care ofat the address of: written on envelopesUsual abbreviation: c/o
in careorinto caresocial welfaremade the legal responsibility of a local authority by order of a court
Word Origin for 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