incubate

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verb

Definition of INCUBATE

1

to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop <the hen incubated her eggs for two weeks>

Synonyms brood, hatch, incubate, sit

Related Words lay, spawn

2

to help the growth or development of <hopefully, these youthful visits to the museum will incubate an enduring love of art>

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

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

Antonyms discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit