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 Word Forms

• unfostered 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

In actual reality, we were a family of four, beginning the uncertain process of adopting the young brothers we’d fostered for almost a year.

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Through his stature and amenable nature, he has been able to enhance a team spirit already fostered by friendships, but without the need for bonding sessions which feel forced.

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Nathalie Wilson, an organizer for Indivisible CA 47, said the chain formed bonds between neighbors and fostered conversations around local politics.

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She said that the event has fostered community among many people who regularly attend — although some people may come alone, they’re bound to find friends within the crowd.

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We've fostered a knowledge in the group that we can overcome anything.

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Related Words

• covered www.thesaurus.com
• guaranteed www.thesaurus.com
• guarded 
• preserved 
• secured www.thesaurus.com
• sheltered