— fosterer , n. — fosteringly , adv.
/faw"steuhr, fos"teuhr/ , v.t.
1. to promote the growth or development of; further; encourage: to foster new ideas.
2. to bring up, raise, or rear, as a foster child.
3. to care for or cherish.
4. Brit. to place (a child) in a foster home.
5. Obs. to feed or nourish.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE fostor nourishment, fostrian to nourish; c. ON fostr; akin to FOOD ]
Syn. 1. favor, forward, advance; foment, instigate. 2. nurse, nourish, sustain, support, maintain. 3. See cherish .
Ant. 1. discourage.