- Main Entry:
- 1care
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈker\
- Function:
- 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 : grief2 a: a disquieted state of mixed uncertainty, apprehension, and responsibility b: a cause for such anxiety3 a: painstaking or watchful attention b: maintenance <floor-care products>4: regard coming from desire or esteem5: 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>.
