fostered

[ faw-sterd, fos-terd ]

adjective

1. promoted or cultivated:

   We need to cut through the deliberately fostered confusions that persist in the debate surrounding the referendum campaign.

   The two-acre garden displays six species of its independently fostered roses.

2. cared for as a foster child in the home of someone other than the natural or adoptive parents:

   In that jurisdiction, 17 percent of all fostered children aged 5 to 18 had been in the same placement for more than five years.

3. (of animals)
   1. cared for temporarily as a pet in a home until adoption can be arranged, often because medical care is required:

      Once recovered, the fostered dogs had a better chance of being adopted than healthy ones straight from the shelter.

   2. raised by other than its own biological parents:

      Two male penguins entrusted with the care of a fostered egg have welcomed a tiny penguin chick into the world.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of foster.

Other Words From

• un·fos·tered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fostered¹

First recorded in 1580–90; foster ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; foster ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

He learned to hate the influence of megacorporations and the culture of consuming cheap goods that he thought they fostered, and he detested the waste and pollution that came with it.

From Salon

He views the shift as “fluid,” pointing to modern politics’ departure from grassroots structures that once fostered a sense of belonging.

From Slate

The bribery and corruption that Francis had "fostered" within the US Navy over many years was "aggravated and egregious", but under custody, he helped investigators uncover "unprecedented levels of corruption" in the establishment, the US Attorney's Office said.

From BBC

“Educators deserve to feel celebrated for their heritage, but instead Leaps and Bounds’ alleged language ban fostered a hostile work culture that made staff feel unvalued and unwelcome,” Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year alone, 131 local newspapers shuttered, a loss that has fostered the increasing polarization of their communities.

From Slate

Related Words

• covered
• guaranteed
• guarded
• preserved
• secured
• sheltered