Definition

Noun: A person who has legally and permanently taken on the parenting role for a child who is not their biological offspring. This involves assuming all the legal rights and responsibilities of a parent through a formal adoption process.

Usage

The term is used to refer to the legal and social parent of an adopted child. It distinguishes a parent by legal adoption from a biological parent.

Examples

• After the adoption was finalized, Maria and John became the child's adoptive parents.
• The agency provides support groups for adoptive parents.
• He has a strong bond with his adoptive parent.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in legal, social, and psychological contexts to discuss family structures, child welfare, and identity.
• It is often used in contrast to terms like "biological parent," "birth parent," or "natural parent."

Variants and Related Words

• Adoptive mother: A female adoptive parent.
• Adoptive father: A male adoptive parent.
• Adoptive family: A family formed through adoption.
• Adoptive child: A child who has been adopted.

Synonyms

• Adopter
• Legal parent (in the context of adoption)

Antonyms

• Biological parent
• Birth parent
• Natural parent

Noun

1. a person who adopts a child of other parents as his or her own child