foster

fos-ter · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To encourage the development or growth of something.

  2. 2.

    To bring up or care for a child that is not one's own by birth, especially on a temporary basis.

  3. 3.

    (Adjective) Denoting someone that has a specified family connection through fostering rather than birth.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    foster care — a system where children are placed with caregivers other than their biological parents
  • •
    foster family — a family that temporarily cares for children
  • •
    foster parent — an adult who cares for a foster child

Related words

Antonyms: discourage, hinder, neglect
See also: adopt, cultivate, encourage, nurture
Synonyms: cultivate, encourage, nurture, promote

Etymology

From Old English fostrian ("to nourish, rear"), from fostor ("food, nourishment"), related to foda ("food").