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

In many regions, this time-consuming task prevents them from fully participating in education or income-generating activities, caring for family, and achieving their potential. —Matt Damon, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025

The organization also cares for the county’s archives, which are kept in the same building and contain books of local records dating back to the Civil War. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

Casey Trees, a nonprofit that plants and cares for trees in the city, provides a map of where to see the blossoms across Washington. —Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025

Either way, watching someone care for parents and children can leave you wondering how best to support them. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 20 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for care for

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