Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

caregiver

Noun

pl: caregivers

This term encompasses both professional healthcare workers and unpaid family members, bridging the gap between clinical medicine and domestic support. It carries a strong connotation of empathy, patience, and responsibility, often implying a power imbalance where the caregiver holds the agency and the recipient is dependent. In a sociological context, the word frequently appears in discussions regarding burnout and emotional labor. It distinguishes the act of providing holistic, daily life support from the more specialized, episodic interventions provided by a doctor or surgeon.

Meanings

Noun

A person who provides for the physical and emotional needs of another person who is unable to care for themselves due to illness, disability, or age.

"The elderly man relies on a professional caregiver to help him with daily tasks."

Noun

A family member or friend who provides unpaid care for a loved one with a chronic condition or disability.

"Many family caregivers experience burnout due to the constant demands of looking after a sick relative."

Last Updated: June 14, 2026•Report an Error