/ kənˈsɜːn; NAmE -ˈsɜːrn/ verb , noun
■ verb
AFFECT / INVOLVE
1.
[ vn ] [ often passive ] to affect sb; to involve sb :
Don't interfere in what doesn't concern you.
The loss was a tragedy for all concerned (= all those affected by it) .
Where our children's education is concerned, no compromise is acceptable.
The individuals concerned have some explaining to do.
To whom it may concern ... (= used for example, at the beginning of a public notice or of a job reference about sb's character and ability)
Everyone who was directly concerned in (= had some responsibility for) the incident has now resigned.
BE ABOUT
2.
[ vn ] (also be concerned with sth ) to be about sth :
The story concerns the prince's efforts to rescue Pamina.
The book is primarily concerned with Soviet-American relations during the Cold War.
This chapter concerns itself with the historical background.
One major difference between these computers concerns the way in which they store information.
WORRY SB
3.
to worry sb :
[ vn ]
What concerns me is our lack of preparation for the change.
[ vn that ]
It concerns me that you no longer seem to care.
—see also concerned
TAKE AN INTEREST
4.
[ vn ] concern yourself with / about sth to take an interest in sth :
He didn't concern himself with the details.
CONSIDER IMPORTANT
5.
[ vn to inf ] be concerned to do sth ( formal ) to think it is important to do sth :
She was concerned to write about situations that everybody could identify with.
•
IDIOMS
see far adverb
■ noun
WORRY
1.
[ U , C ] concern (about / for / over sth/sb) | concern (that ... ) a feeling of worry, especially one that is shared by many people :
There is growing concern about violence on television.
She hasn't been seen for four days and there is concern for her safety.
The report expressed concern over continuing high unemployment.
There is widespread concern that new houses will be built on protected land.
Stress at work is a matter of concern to staff and management.
The President's health was giving serious cause for concern .
In the meeting, voters raised concerns about health care.
—compare unconcern
DESIRE TO PROTECT
2.
[ U ] a desire to protect and help sb/sth :
parents' concern for their children
STH IMPORTANT
3.
[ C ] something that is important to a person, an organization, etc. :
What are your main concerns as a writer?
The government's primary concern is to reduce crime.
RESPONSIBILITY
4.
[ C , usually sing. ] ( formal ) something that is your responsibility or that you have a right to know about :
This matter is their concern.
How much money I make is none of your concern.
COMPANY
5.
[ C ] a company or business
SYN firm :
a major publishing concern
•
IDIOMS
see going adjective
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from French concerner or late Latin concernere (in medieval Latin be relevant to), from con- (expressing intensive force) + cernere sift, discern.