cark

1 of 2

verb

ˈkärk

-ed/-ing/-s

transitive verb

: to burden with care or anxiety : vex, worry, trouble

fate had not smiled on him … he was beset by carking troubles and anxieties

—Max Beerbohm

intransitive verb

1

: to be anxious or troubled : fret

a covetous man … carking about his bags

—Isaac Barrow

2

: to labor anxiously

why for sluggards cark and moil?

—Charles Kingsley

cark

2 of 2

noun

"

plural -s

1

: something that burdens the spirit : trouble

its artless advocacy of freedom from cark and care

—Harper's

2

: a troubled state of mind : distress

by cark and care deranged

—Robert Browning

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English carken, literally, to load, burden, from Old North French carquier, from Late Latin carricare

Noun

Middle English, literally, load, burden, from Old North French carque, from carquier, verb

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now