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

Some of the outfits seem to confer the power of flight, though that illusion is fostered by the delirious energy of human forms liberated from conformity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Outgoing Prime Minister Orban fostered strong ties, making Hungary a key European hub for Chinese manufacturing.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

It fostered an unprecedented youth-mental-health crisis that’s still playing out today.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Singaporeans enjoy the comforts and protections of life in a well-regulated society, but some say the expectation that the state should "fix" problems has fostered a culture of complaining.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

I couldn’t imagine that any of the other islanders would have fostered me had I drifted up on their piece of land.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Related Words

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