Childcare Terms

verb to take care of or watch over someone or something

• It is important to look after your health by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
• Could you please look after my cat while I'm on vacation?
• I'll look after the dishes if you take out the trash.
• As a manager, it is your responsibility to look after the needs of your team members.

noun a condition of being stifled or suppressed

verb to kill someone by covering their face so that they cannot breathe, or to die in this way

• The mother decided to smother her child with kisses before bedtime.
• I can't believe she tried to smother her fries in ketchup!
• He was so annoying, I wanted to smother him with a pillow.
• The overwhelming workload seemed to smother her creativity.

verb to have a tendency or inclination towards a particular action or behavior

• People tend to follow established social norms in public settings.
• I tend to procrastinate when it comes to doing my homework.
• She tends to flake out on plans at the last minute.
• His mind tends to wander when he's not fully engaged in a conversation.