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

The film follows a couple facing old age and the risk of losing their land while caring for their adult son Naraan, who has intellectual disabilities. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

How many parents can afford to take 3 weeks off work to care for an ill child? —Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Health policy researchers and economists say providing Medicaid coverage to immigrants for preventive services and treatment of chronic health conditions staves off more costly care for patients down the road. —Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025

The goal of treatment is to care for the small wound, manage any pain, and avoid potential infection. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 Sep. 2025

Rhymes for care for

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