/ ˈnɜːtʃə(r); NAmE ˈnɜːrtʃ-/ verb , noun
■ verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to care for and protect sb/sth while they are growing and developing :
These delicate plants need careful nurturing.
children nurtured by loving parents
2.
to help sb/sth to develop and be successful
SYN foster :
It's important to nurture a good working relationship.
3.
to have a feeling, an idea, a plan, etc. for a long time and encourage it to develop :
She secretly nurtured a hope of becoming famous.
■ noun
[ U ] ( formal ) care, encouragement and support given to sb/sth while they are growing
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French noureture nourishment, based on Latin nutrire feed, cherish.