foster mother
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A woman who temporarily cares for and raises a child who is not her biological or adopted child, as part of a formal or informal fostering arrangement.
Usage
The term "foster mother" specifically refers to the female caregiver in a foster care relationship. It is used to describe her role and relationship to the child. * She became a foster mother to three siblings. * The child's foster mother provided a stable and loving home.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in legal, social work, and everyday contexts to distinguish this role from that of a biological or adoptive mother.
- It emphasizes the act of nurturing and raising, rather than just temporary guardianship.
Variants and Related Words
- Foster parent: A gender-neutral term for an adult who fosters a child.
- Foster father: The male equivalent of a foster mother.
- Foster care: The system or service providing temporary family homes for children.
- Foster child: A child being raised by a foster parent.
Synonyms
- Foster carer (UK/commonwealth usage)
- Surrogate mother (though this can imply a different, often biological, relationship)
Notes
"Foster mother" is a compound noun. The word "foster" alone is primarily a verb meaning to encourage or promote development, or an adjective describing such a relationship (e.g., foster home). This entry explains the specific compound term "foster mother."
Noun
- a woman who is a foster parent and raises another's child