care

I. 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; caring) 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

> • carer noun