Definition of "care" in English

noun

1. Close attention; concern; responsibility.

   • Care should be taken when holding babies.
   • ‘Have a care, Buquet—ghosts like not to be seen or talked about!’

2. (countable, uncountable) Worry.

   • I don’t have a care in the world.

3. (uncountable) Maintenance, upkeep.

   • dental care

4. (uncountable) The treatment of those in need (especially as a profession).

5. (uncountable, UK) The state of being cared for by others.

   • in care

6. The object of watchful attention or anxiety.

7. (obsolete) Grief, sorrow. [13th–19th c.]

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To be concerned (about), to have an interest (in); to feel concern (about).

   • She doesn’t care what you think.
   • I don’t care, I’m still going.

2. (intransitive, polite, formal, chiefly in the negative) To want, to desire; to like; to be inclined towards or interested in.

   • Would you care for another slice of cake?
   • Would you care to dance?
   • I don’t care to hear your opinion.

3. (intransitive, informal, by extension) To be affected by, to treat as relevant for a subsequent course of action.

4. (intransitive) (with for) To look after or look out for.

   • Young children can learn to care for a pet.
   • He cared for his mother while she was sick.

5. (intransitive, Appalachia) To mind; to object.