incubate

1 to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen incubated her eggs for two weeks Synonyms brood, hatch, set, sitRelated 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, foster, nourish, nurse, nurture, promoteRelated 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, shackleAntonyms discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit