nurture
verb (used with object)
to feed and protect.
had nurtured
-
past perfectof nurture.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The only sorrow came when it was time to part ways with the hairy creature she had nurtured during the experience.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2026
Desperate and terrified of losing the story of my adopted home, which I had nurtured for decades, I demeaned myself, betraying who I was in order to belong.
From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2022
The flooding claimed the lives of 44 cows the family had nurtured and watch grow up, and left behind extensive damage they are still trying to assess..
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 27, 2021
When Tani won the state championship, several private schools offered him places, but the family decided to keep him in the public school that had nurtured him.
From New York Times ● May 8, 2021
The flickering hope for peace each of them had nurtured for so long flared like hot fire inside them.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
