Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - 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-~ products  4. regard coming from desire or esteem  5. charge, supervision under a doctor's ~  6. a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude Synonyms:  ~, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. ~ implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension a face worn by years of ~. 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  (~d; caring)  Date: before 12th century  intransitive verb  1.  a. to feel trouble or anxiety  b. to feel interest or concern ~ about freedom  2. to give ~ ~ for the sick  3.  a. to have a liking, fondness, or taste don't ~ for your attitude  b. to have an inclination would you ~ for some pie  transitive verb  1. to be concerned about or to the extent of don't ~ what they say doesn't ~ a damn  2. wish if you ~ to go  • ~r noun