foster

²foster

verb

fos·teredfos·ter·ing\-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FOSTER

transitive verb

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FOSTER

coster