welfare

wel-fare · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The health, happiness, and prosperity of a person or group.

  2. 2.

    Government support for those in need.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    welfare state — Government system providing social services.
  • •
    public welfare — The well-being of the general population.

Related words

See also: assistance, benefit, well-being
Synonyms: health, prosperity, well-being

Etymology

From Middle English wel faren ("to fare well").