I. ˈker 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
II. verb
( cared ; car·ing )
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to feel trouble or anxiety
b. : to feel interest or concern
care about freedom
2. : to give care
care for the sick
3.
a. : to have a liking, fondness, or taste
don't care for your attitude
b. : to have an inclination
would you care for some pie
transitive verb
1. : to be concerned about or to the extent of
don't care what they say
doesn't care a damn
2. : wish
if you care to go
• car·er noun
•
- care less