Encourages, promotes, or helps develop something; nurtures growth or development. Can also refer to providing temporary care for children or animals.
From Old English 'fostrian' meaning 'to nourish, rear, support,' related to 'fostor' (food, nourishment). The word is connected to the concept of feeding and caring for something that is not one's own, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'food' or 'nourishment.'
Try Another Word