concern

[ kuhn-surn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to relate to; be connected with; be of interest or importance to; affect:

   The water shortage concerns us all.

   Synonyms: involve, touch

2. to interest or engage (used reflexively or in the passive, often followed by with or in ):

   She concerns herself with every aspect of the business.

3. to trouble, worry, or disquiet:

   I am concerned about his health.

   Synonyms: disturb

noun

1. something that relates or pertains to a person; business; affair:

   Law is the concern of lawyers.

2. a matter that engages a person's attention, interest, or care, or that affects a person's welfare or happiness:

   The party was no concern of his.

   Synonyms: responsibility, burden

3. worry, solicitude, or anxiety:

   to show concern for someone in trouble.

   Antonyms: indifference

4. important relation or bearing:

   This news is of concern to all of us.

5. a commercial or manufacturing company or establishment:

   the headquarters of an insurance concern.

   Synonyms: house, firm

6. Informal. any material object or contrivance.

concern

/ kənˈsɜːn /

verb

1. to relate to; be of importance or interest to; affect
2. usually foll bywith or in to involve or interest (oneself)

   he concerns himself with other people's affairs

noun

1. something that affects or is of importance to a person; affair; business
2. regard for or interest in a person or a thing

   he felt a strong concern for her

3. anxiety, worry, or solicitude
4. important bearing or relation

   his news has great concern for us

5. a commercial company or enterprise
6. informal.
   a material thing, esp one of which one has a low opinion

Other Words From

• over·con·cern noun verb (used with object)
• precon·cern noun verb (used with object)
• self-con·cern noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of concern¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English concernen, from Middle French concerner, from Medieval Latin concernere “to relate to, distinguish,” from Late Latin: “to mix for sifting,” from Latin con- con- + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”

Word History and Origins

Origin of concern¹

C15: from Late Latin concernere to mingle together, from Latin com- together + cernere to sift, distinguish

Idioms and Phrases

see as far as that goes (is concerned) ; to whom it may concern .

Example Sentences

The dustup comes at a sensitive moment in Mexico, where there is deep concern about President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs, deploy U.S. troops to go after cartels, conduct mass deportations and further militarize the border.

From Los Angeles Times

The use of recess appointments to avoid the Senate is a concern to some who’ve worked in the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking ahead of the ceremony Thursday to mark his arrival as the city’s 59th chief of police, McDonnell voiced concern about the perception of disorder — and the reality that crimes are going unreported because some believe nothing will be done to investigate.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Bailey will also echo Reeves' concern that the UK pension system is "fragmented" and requires "heavy lifting" to fix it.

From BBC

It said there is concern that the government’s operation could have an impact on the right to life.

From BBC

Related Words

• bother
• disturb
• interest
• involve
• perturb
• regard
• trouble
• worry