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

Some exceptions to the law do apply, including health conditions, relocation for a spouse’s job change or providing care for a sick family member. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026

Curated by Our Editors Fog forms and dissipates and moves, all without a care for scientists’ experiments, and bacteria are difficult to keep tabs on. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2026

Dear parents, teachers and educators, The best way to care for the earth is to fall in love with nature. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The national organization put on several events, López said, but fell by the wayside as she got sidetracked over the years with a baby, caring for her father and her local organization. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for care for

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