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foster

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Foster is defined as to promote or encourage or to raise a child who is not one's biological or adoptive child.

(verb)

An example of foster is to help a new company campaign grow.
An example of foster is to take in a child from an orphanage until permanent parents adopt him.

See foster in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to bring up with care; rear
to help to grow or develop; stimulate; promote: to foster discontent
to cling to in one's mind; cherish: foster a hope

Origin: ME fostren < OE fostrian, to nourish, bring up < fostor, food, nourishment < base of foda, food

adjective

having the standing of a specified member of the family, though not by birth or adoption, and giving, receiving, or sharing the care appropriate to that standing: foster parent, foster brother
designating or relating to such care

Related Forms:

fosterer noun

Foster, Stephen Collins 1826-64; U.S. composer of songs
Foster, William Z(ebulon) 1881-1964; U.S. Communist Party leader

See foster in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb fos·tered, fos·ter·ing, fos·ters

To bring up; nurture: bear and foster offspring. See Synonyms at nurture.
To promote the growth and development of; cultivate: detect and foster artistic talent. See Synonyms at advance.
To nurse; cherish: foster a secret hope.

adjective

Providing parental care and nurture to children not related through legal or blood ties: foster parents; foster grandparents; a foster home.
Receiving parental care and nurture from those not related to one through legal or blood ties: foster children.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English fostren

Origin: , from Old English *fōstrian, to nourish

Origin: , from fōstor, food, nourishing; see pā- in Indo-European roots

American songwriter whose popular works, such as “Oh! Susannah” (1848) and “Old Folks at Home” (1851), reflect the sentiment of pre-Civil War America.

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