care / ke(ə)r/ • n. 1. the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something: the care of the elderly. 2. serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage or risk: he planned his departure with great care. ∎  an object of concern or attention: the cares of family life. ∎  a feeling of or occasion for anxiety: without a care in the world.• v. [intr.] 1. feel concern or interest; attach importance to something: they don't care about human life| [tr.] I don't care what she says. ∎  feel affection or liking: you care very deeply for him. ∎  (care for something/care to do something) like or be willing to do or have something: would you care for some tea? 2. (care for) look after and provide for the needs of: he has numerous animals to care for.PHRASES: care of at the address of: write to me care of Anne.I (or he, she, etc.) couldn't (or inf. also could) care less inf. used to express complete indifference: he couldn't care less about football.for all you care (or he, she, etc., cares) inf. used to indicate that someone feels no interest or concern: I could drown for all you care.take care1. [often in imper.] be cautious; keep oneself safe. ∎  said to someone on leaving them: take care, see you soon. 2. make sure of doing something: he would take care to provide himself with an escape clause.take care of1. keep (someone or something) safe and provided for. 2. deal with (something).