n.
Pronunciation: ' ker
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English caru; akin to Old High German kara lament, Old Irish gairm call, cry, Latin garrire to chatter
Date: before 12th century
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
synonyms 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 >.