1. A burdened state of mind, as that arising from heavy responsibilities; worry. 2. Mental suffering; grief. 3. An object or source of worry, attention, or solicitude: the many cares of a working parent.4. Caution in avoiding harm or danger: handled the crystal bowl with care.5a. Close attention; painstaking application: painting the window frames and sashes with care.b. Upkeep; maintenance: a product for the care of fine floors; hair care products.6. Watchful oversight; charge or supervision: left the child in the care of a neighbor.7. Attentive assistance or treatment to those in need: a hospital that provides emergency care.
VERB:
Inflected forms: cared, car·ing, cares
INTRANSITIVE VERB:
1. To be concerned or interested: Once inside, we didn't care whether it rained or not.2. To provide needed assistance or watchful supervision: cared for the wounded; caring for an aged relative at home.3. To object or mind: If no one cares, I'll smoke.4a. To have a liking or attachment: didn't care for the movie.b. To have a wish; be inclined: Would you care for another helping?
TRANSITIVE VERB:
1. To wish; desire: Would you care to dance?2. To be concerned to the degree of: I don't care a bit what critics think.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English cearu.
SYNONYMS:
care, charge, custody, keeping, supervision, trust These nouns refer to the function of watching, guarding, or overseeing: left the house keys in my care; has charge of all rare books in the library; had custody of his children; left the canary in the neighbors' keeping; assumed supervision of the students; documents committed to the bank's trust. See also synonyms at anxiety.
kâr
