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?

Examples of care for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

May is Oncology Nursing Month, a time to recognize the compassion, strength, and dedication of nurses caring for cancer patients. —Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 19 May 2026

Gender-affirming care for Kansas teens The gender-affirming care ban lawsuit was filed last May, and Folsom’s decision to grant an injunction comes after a two-day evidentiary hearing in November, where plaintiffs shared their stories and the judge heard from both sides’ expert witnesses. —Matthew Kelly may 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026

If the veteran is unable to care for himself, our Veterans Administration will help him. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 May 2026

Matsumoto says cleaning is a way of caring for yourself and the world. —ABC News, 19 May 2026

Rhymes for care for

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