care for

phrasal 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?

Examples of care for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Consulting with your pediatrician before pursuing specialized care for your newborn is always the safest option. —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 29 Nov. 2025

This Netflix holiday flick follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a sharp-witted retail clerk juggling two jobs to care for her sick mother, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a down-on-his-luck former security consultant desperate to support his daughter after a divorce. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

Alternatives at risk Some states have licensed facilities that aren't nursing homes to care for people on ventilators. —Jordan Rau, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025

Travelers can explain any extenuating circumstances, like needing to care for a sick relative, but entry is not guaranteed. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for care for

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore