take care of
/teɪk kɛr əv/
VERB
1. To look after or provide care for someone or something
To be responsible for the well-being, needs, safety, or maintenance of a person, animal, or thing by providing the necessary attention, support, or protection.
1.1. Caring for a person or animal
Describes providing physical or emotional care, supervision, and assistance to someone who needs attention or support, such as a child, an elderly person, or a pet.
Synonyms
- look after
- care for
- tend
- attend to
- nurse
- watch over
- provide for
- nurture
Antonyms
Examples
- She takes care of her elderly parents.
- Can you take care of the dog while we are away?
- The nurse takes care of patients throughout the night.
Related Words
- caregiving
- caretaking
- nursing
- supervision
- protection
- well-being
- guardianship
1.2. Maintaining or protecting something
Describes looking after property, possessions, equipment, or the environment by maintaining its condition, preventing damage, and ensuring its continued well-being.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- It is important to take care of your belongings.
- We must take care of the environment for future generations.
- He takes care of the family property and keeps it in good condition.
Related Words
- maintenance
- preservation
- protection
- conservation
- upkeep
- safeguarding
VERB
2. To deal with, manage, or complete something
To assume responsibility for a task, problem, arrangement, or obligation and handle it, resolve it, or bring it to completion.
2.1. Handling a task or responsibility
Describes accepting responsibility for an activity, duty, or practical arrangement and ensuring that it is properly handled or completed.
Synonyms
- handle
- manage
- deal with
- attend to
- see to
- undertake
- take charge of
- administer
Antonyms
Examples
- I'll take care of the paperwork while you prepare the presentation.
- Can you take care of the arrangements for tomorrow's meeting?
- She takes care of all the administrative duties in the office.
Related Words
2.2. Resolving a problem or dealing with a situation
Describes addressing a problem, difficulty, or situation and taking the necessary action to resolve it or bring it under control.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- complicate
- worsen
- aggravate
- neglect
- ignore
Examples
- Don't worry about the complaint; I'll take care of it.
- The technical team will take care of the problem as soon as possible.
- She promised to take care of the issue before the deadline.
Related Words
- resolution
- solution
- problem-solving
- settlement
- remedy
- intervention
VERB
3. To kill or eliminate someone
To kill a person, often expressed as a euphemism or in an informal, threatening, or criminal context.
3.1. Killing someone euphemistically
Used as an informal euphemism for killing or arranging the death of a person, sometimes implying deliberate or planned violence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- spare
- save
- rescue
- protect
- preserve
Examples
- In the crime novel, the gang leader ordered his accomplices to take care of the witness.
- The detective suspected that the victim had been taken care of by a hired killer.
- The threat to take care of his rival was treated as a serious warning.
Related Words
- homicide
- murder
- assassination
- execution
- elimination
- lethal force