Caregivers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Persons responsible for delivering physical, emotional, and medical assistance to individuals requiring support
2. People who help others by offering essential daily living support, health care, or social interaction
3. Individuals who offer physical help, emotional comfort, and medical aid to those unable to care for themselves

Etymology: "Caregivers" is the plural of "caregiver", a compound formed in English from "care" and "giver". The first element, "care", traces back to Old English "caru", meaning sorrow or anxiety, and the sense of looking after someone grew out of that earlier idea of worry. "Giver" comes from the verb "give", so a caregiver is literally one who gives care. Both parts are native English words, and the pairing is transparent: the term describes the person doing the giving rather than the act itself.

Synonyms: guardians, caretakers, providers, nurturers, supporters

Antonyms: abandoners, neglecters, injurers, oppressors, persecutors