caregiver

UK: ˈkeəɡɪvə | US: ˈkerɡɪvər

Definition

  1. n. a person who provides care and support, typically for a child, elderly person, or someone with disabilities

Structure
care <concern, attention>give <provide>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "caregiver" is a transparent compound formed in Modern English by combining "care" (from Old English "caru," meaning sorrow or concern) and "giver" (from Old English "giefan," meaning to bestow). The suffix "-er" denotes an agent performing the action. The term emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting societal recognition of formal and informal support roles. Its logic is literal: one who "gives care."

Examples

  1. The caregiver bathed the elderly patient with gentle patience.

  2. Many parents become full-time caregivers for children with special needs.

  3. She hired a professional caregiver to assist her recovering mother.

  4. The hospital trained volunteers to act as temporary caregivers.

  5. Burnout is a common challenge among long-term caregivers.