SINCE 1828
care for
phrasal verb
cared for;
caring for;
cares for
Definition of care 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?
Comments on care for
What made you want to look up care for? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Farm Idioms Quiz
Not your children's farm quiz.
Take the quiz -
Up in the Sky: A Quiz
It's a bird? It's a plane? No, I'm really asking. What is it?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share care for
Resources for care for