online medical dictionary | definition of nurture

1. To feed; to nourish.

2. To educate; to bring or train up. "He was nurtured where he had been born." (Sir H. Wotton)

Synonyms: To nourish, nurse, cherish, bring up, educate, tend.

To Nurture, Nourish, Cherish. Nourish denotes to supply with food, or cause to grow; as, to nourish a plant, to nourish rebellion. To nurture is to train up with a fostering care, like that of a mother; as, to nurture into strength; to nurture in sound principles. To cherish is to hold and treat as dear; as, to cherish hopes or affections.

Origin: Nurtured; Nurturing.

(01 Mar 1998)