Foster Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of FOSTER

1

[+ object]

:

to help (something) grow or develop

• We are trying to foster [=_encourage, promote_] a sense of community.
• Such conditions foster the spread of the disease.

2

:

to provide the care that a parent usually gives to a child

:

to be or become the foster parent of a child

[+ object]

• Would you consider fostering a child?

[no object]

• (chiefly Brit) Would you consider fostering?

Britannica Dictionary definition of FOSTER

always used before a noun

— used to describe a situation in which for a period of time a child lives with and is cared for by people who are not the child's parents

• They are foster parents to three foster children.
• She's in foster care. = She's in a foster home. [=she is living in a home with and being taken care of by foster parents]