nourish

[ nur-ish, nuhr- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to sustain with food or nutriment; supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth.
2. to cherish, foster, keep alive, etc.:

   He had long nourished the dream of living abroad.

3. to strengthen, build up, or promote:

   to nourish discontent among the workers; to nourish the arts in one's community.

   Synonyms: advance, back, aid, help, encourage

   Antonyms: discourage

nourish

/ ˈnʌrɪʃ /

verb

1. to provide with the materials necessary for life and growth
2. to support or encourage (an idea, feeling, etc); foster

   to nourish resentment

Derived Forms

• ˈnourishing, adjective
• ˈnourisher, noun
• ˈnourishingly, adverb

Other Words From

• nourish·a·ble adjective
• nourish·er noun
• over·nourish verb (used with object)
• re·nourish verb (used with object)
• self-nourished adjective
• un·nourish·a·ble adjective
• un·nourished adjective
• well-nourished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nourish¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English norisshe, from Old French noriss-, long stem of norir, from Latin nūtrīre “to feed”; nurse, -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of nourish¹

C14: from Old French norir, from Latin nūtrīre to feed, care for

Synonym Study

See nurse.

Example Sentences

I nourish a sense of satisfaction with the simple accomplishments of the day; getting up early, making coffee for my mom and me, walking, performing some activism, reminding myself that “movement of the muscles overcomes the defeatist babble of the brain.”

From Salon

For the women behind the bar, they’re putting together tonics and elixirs with the power to heal, protect and nourish the human spirit.

From Salon

Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables regulate digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

From Salon

“No es negocio es para alimentarse“ — It’s not business, it’s to nourish people — Ruelas confirms, in case there were any doubts.

From Salon

Then I headed inside, passing under block lettering that read: “Nourish Heal Thrive.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cherish
• cultivate
• sustain
• tend