foster: Meaning and Definition of

fos•ter

1. to promote the growth or development of; further; encourage: to foster new ideas.
2. to bring up, raise, or rear, as a foster child.
3. to care for or cherish.
4. to place (a child) in a foster home.
5. to feed or nourish.

Fos•ter

1. 1826–64, U.S. songwriter.
2. 1881–1961, U.S. labor organizer: leader in the Communist party.
3. a male given name.