care noun (PROTECTION) - definition in British English Dictionary & Thesaurus

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/keər /

/ker/ n

Definition

•

[U] the process of protecting and looking after someone or something

The standard of care at our local hospital is excellent.

Mira's going to be very weak for a long time after the operation, so she'll need a lot of care.

Nurseries are responsible for the children in their care.

•

[U] used as a combining form

skin care/healthcare/childcare

take care of sb/sth

to look after someone or something

Take good care of that girl of yours, Patrick - she's very special.

Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself (= I do not need anyone else to protect me).

in care (also take/put into care) UK

Children who are in care or who have been taken/put into care are not living with their natural parents but instead with a national or local government organization or another family

Both children were taken into care when their parents died.

care in the community UK

when people with mental illness or reduced mental ability are allowed to continue living in their own homes, with treatment and help, and are not kept in hospital

(Definition of care noun (PROTECTION) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)