foster

¹fos·ter

adjective \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\

Definition of FOSTER

: affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties

Origin of FOSTER

Middle English, from Old English fōstor-, from fōstor food, feeding; akin to Old English fōda food

First Known Use: before 12th century

²foster

transitive verb

fos·teredfos·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FOSTER

1

: to give parental care to : nurture

2

: to promote the growth or development of : encourage <fostered the college in its early years>

— fos·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

Examples of FOSTER

1. Such conditions foster the spread of the disease.
2. Would you consider fostering a child?

First Known Use of FOSTER

12th century

Related to FOSTER

Synonyms

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, incubate, nourish, nurse, nurture, promote

Antonyms

discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit

Related Words

advocate, back, champion, endorse (also indorse), support, uphold; endow, finance, fund, patronize, stake, subsidize, underwrite; abet, aid, assist; advertise, boost, plug, publicize, tout; agitate (for), campaign (for), work (for)

Near Antonyms

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prevent, prohibit, proscribe; battle, combat, contend (with), counter, fight, oppose; repress, snuff (out), squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress; arrest, check, halt, retard; encumber, fetter, hobble, impede, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle

Rhymes with FOSTER

coster

Fos·ter

biographical name \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\

Definition of FOSTER

Stephen Collins 1826–1864 Am. songwriter

Foster

biographical name

Definition of FOSTER

William Z(ebulon) 1881–1961 Am. Communist

Foster

biographical name

Definition of FOSTER

William Zebulon 1881–1961 Am. Communist