fostered
Americanadjective
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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.
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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.
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(of animals)
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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.
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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
Other Word Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While these policies reflected an important step forward in overseeing high-risk research, they still fostered a culture of belief that some risks were worth taking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
“Not only the long-awaited championship, but the likability of the team has really fostered a new generation of fans,” says Marangi.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
After serving as a commissioner for tennis during the 1984 Olympic Games in the city, Burke said he was overwhelmed by the sense of community and excitement that the international sporting event fostered.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2026
The aftermath of World War Two weighed heavily on Liverpool, one of the most heavily bombed cities outside London, but a busy regeneration programme and a booming dock trade fostered an air of opportunity.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
And yes, Maya knew that she was adopted, not fostered, that she had been adopted out of the hospital, that her parents had chosen her, wanted her.
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
