/ ˈwelfeə(r); NAmE -fer/ noun [ U ]
1.
the general health, happiness and safety of a person, an animal or a group
SYN well-being :
We are concerned about the child's welfare.
2.
practical or financial help that is provided, often by the government, for people or animals that need it :
The state is still the main provider of welfare.
child welfare
a social welfare programme
welfare provision / services / work
3.
( especially NAmE ) = social security :
They would rather work than live on welfare .
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from the adverb well + the verb fare .