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

Lovingly cared for by its current owners, the move-in ready home, at 131 Hartford Road, has withstood the test of time thanks to restorations, renovations, alterations and modern updates. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025

Luka is an absolute killer on the court, and blends that with a unique generosity and care for the community. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

Female dogs that do survive are often not cared for, becoming strays or going to live with wolves. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 2 Aug. 2025

May’s husband, Chuck, was working in the restaurant business while May stayed home to care for their son, then 6, who has autism and needs specialized care. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for care for

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