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

And I think from that moment on, our relationship has grown and grown and grown and we’ve fostered and allowed for a really honest, caring relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

Isabella and Buck Ruxton’s three young children were fostered and it is not known if they were ever told how their parents died.

From BBC

By using a DAO structure, they organized volunteers, directed resources efficiently and fostered collective action.

From Salon

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

There is mutual respect from all at Bodymoor Heath, an environment fostered by Emery, whose English is said to be much better than some might expect.

From BBC

Related Words

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