1
general::
take care of somebody
( also look after somebody especially British English ) to make sure a child or an old or sick person is safe and has the things they need:
• I have to look after my little brother. • Taking care of a baby is hard work. • She is taking care of her grandmother while her grandfather is in hospital.
care for somebody
to take care of someone. Care for somebody is less common and more formal than take care of/look after somebody:
• He was cared for by a team of nurses. • Caring for an elderly relative can be very rewarding.
nurse
to look after someone who is ill:
• He nursed his wife through a long illness. • The monks nursed him back to health (= looked after him until he was well again ) .
babysit
to look after children in the evening while their parents go out somewhere:
• I’ll ask Jane to babysit on Wednesday night. • He used to babysit for Mary when she worked nights.
mind
British English to look after a child while their parents are not there, especially for a short time:
• Will you mind the baby while I go to the shop?
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