fostered

American  

[faw-sterd, fos-terd] / ˈfɔ stərd, ˈfɒs tərd /

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.

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• unfostered adjective

Etymology

Origin of fostered

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

Social-media platforms have fostered unprecedented levels of connection, while leaving many users anxious and lonely.

From The Wall Street Journal

The last decade has been marked by turmoil in the region from major wildfires that forced evacuations and destroyed homes, causing burn scars that fostered dangerous debris flows.

From Los Angeles Times

How far is too far and … how many of her carefully fostered beliefs … will survive the journey through the Wasteland?”

From Los Angeles Times

It scored just one Top 40 hit, 1987’s “Touch of Grey,” but fostered a legion of devoted fans, known as Dead Heads.

From The Wall Street Journal

Administrators across the eight campuses said the program fostered additional wellness spaces, community partnerships and peer counseling courses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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