care for

verb

cared for; caring for; cares for
1
: to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : look after (someone or something)
She cares for elderly patients.
Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
2
: to feel affection for (someone)
I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3
somewhat formal : to like or enjoy (something)
often used in negative statements
I don't care for jelly beans.
I don't care for your tone of voice.
4
somewhat formal : to want (something)
Would you care for some pie?

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on care for

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster