foster Hear it!

foster definition

fos·ter (fôs′tər, fäs′-)

transitive verb

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

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

adjective

  1. 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
  2. designating or relating to such care

Related Forms:

Foster definition

Fos·ter (fôs′tər, fäs′-)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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