[care] n [ME, fr. OE caru; akin to OHG kara lament, L garrire to chatter] (bef. 12c) 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 ~"
6: a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude syn 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 "coping with an endless list of worries".
[2]care vb cared ; car.ing vi (bef. 12c) 1 a: to feel trouble or anxiety b: to feel interest or concern "~ about freedom"
2: to give care "~ for the sick" 3 a: to have a liking, fondness, or taste "don't ~ for your attitude" b: to have an inclination "would you ~ for some pie" ~ vt 1: to be concerned about or to the extent of
2: wish "if you ~ to go" -- car.er n -- 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"