Fester vs. Foster — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Fester" means to become worse or more intense over time, often referring to infection or feelings, whereas "Foster" means to encourage or promote development, often relating to nurturing relationships or ideas.
Difference Between Fester and Foster
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Fester" describes the process of something becoming inflamed or increasingly toxic, often used metaphorically for unresolved issues or feelings. "Foster," on the other hand, implies nurturing and encouraging positive growth, whether of ideas, relationships, or people.
When a wound or negative emotion is allowed to "fester," it typically becomes more painful and problematic. Meanwhile, to "foster" a relationship or project means to actively contribute to its positive progression.
"Fester" often carries negative connotations, as it implies stagnation or deterioration. "Foster," however, conveys positive development and care, frequently in educational or familial contexts.
Both terms share the concept of ongoing processes, with "fester" describing worsening conditions, while "foster" involves active cultivation or support over time.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
To worsen or intensify negatively
To promote or nurture positively
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Connotation
Negative
Positive
Common Usage
Describing infections or emotions
Describing relationships, ideas, or people
Context
Medical, emotional
Developmental, educational
Verb/Noun Forms
Verb
Verb, noun (e.g., foster parent)
Compare with Definitions
Fester
To become worse over time.
The ignored wound began to fester.
Foster
To care for (a child).
She fosters several children annually.
Fester
To intensify negatively.
The issue festers within the team.
Foster
To sustain or support.
He fosters positive community relations.
Fester
To form pus.
The untreated cut started to fester.
Foster
To nurture or encourage.
They foster a culture of innovation.
Fester
To harbor resentment.
His frustration festered over months.
Foster
To promote development.
We must foster creative thinking.
Fester
To rot or decay.
The garbage festers in the hot sun.
Foster
To act as a temporary guardian.
The family decided to foster a puppy.
Fester
To generate pus; suppurate.
Foster
To bring up; nurture
Bear and foster offspring.
Fester
To form an ulcer.
Foster
To promote the growth and development of; cultivate
Detect and foster artistic talent.
Fester
To undergo decay; rot.
Foster
To nurse; cherish
Foster a secret hope.
Fester
To be or become an increasing source of irritation or poisoning; rankle
Bitterness that festered and grew.
Foster
Providing parental care and nurture to children not related through legal or blood ties
Foster parents.
Foster grandparents.
A foster home.
Fester
To be subject to or exist in a condition of decline
Allowed the once beautiful park to fester.
Foster
Receiving parental care and nurture from those not related to one through legal or blood ties
Foster children.
Fester
To infect, inflame, or corrupt.
Foster
Providing parental care to children not related to oneself.
Foster parents
Fester
A small festering sore or ulcer; a pustule.
Foster
Receiving such care.
A foster child
Fester
A fistula.
Foster
Related by such care.
We are a foster family.
Fester
(pathology) A sore or an ulcer of the skin.
Foster
A foster parent.
Some fosters end up adopting.
Fester
The condition of something that festers; a festering; a festerment.
Foster
(uncountable) The care given to another; guardianship.
Fester
(intransitive) To become septic; to become rotten.
Foster
(transitive) To nurture or bring up offspring, or to provide similar parental care to an unrelated child.
Fester
(intransitive) To worsen, especially due to lack of attention.
Deal with the problem immediately; do not let it fester.
Foster
(transitive) To cultivate and grow something.
Our company fosters an appreciation for the arts.
Fester
(transitive) To cause to fester or rankle.
Foster
(transitive) To nurse or cherish something.
Fester
To generate pus; to become imflamed and suppurate; as, a sore or a wound festers.
Wounds immedicableRankle, and fester, and gangrene.
Unkindness may give a wound that shall bleed and smart, but it is treachery that makes it fester.
Hatred . . . festered in the hearts of the children of the soil.
Foster
To be nurtured or trained up together.
Fester
To be inflamed; to grow virulent, or malignant; to grow in intensity; to rankle.
Foster
To feed; to nourish; to support; to bring up.
Some say that ravens foster forlorn children.
Fester
To cause to fester or rankle.
For which I burnt in inward, swelt'ring hate,And festered ranking malice in my breast.
Foster
To cherish; to promote the growth of; to encourage; to sustain and promote; as, to foster genius.
Fester
A small sore which becomes inflamed and discharges corrupt matter; a pustule.
Foster
To be nourished or trained up together.
Fester
A festering or rankling.
The fester of the chain their necks.
Foster
Relating to nourishment; affording, receiving, or sharing nourishment or nurture; - applied to father, mother, child, brother, etc., to indicate that the person so called stands in the relation of parent, child, brother, etc., as regards sustenance and nurture, but not by tie of blood.
Fester
A sore that has become inflamed and formed pus
Foster
A forester.
Fester
Ripen and generate pus;
Her wounds are festering
Foster
United States songwriter whose songs embody the sentiment of the South before the American Civil War (1826-1864)
Foster
Promote the growth of;
Foster our children's well-being and education
Foster
Bring up under fosterage; of children
Foster
Help develop, help grow;
Nurture his talents
Foster
Providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties;
Foster parent
Foster child
Foster home
Surrogate father
Common Curiosities
Can "fester" and "foster" be used interchangeably?
No, "fester" means worsening or intensifying negatively, while "foster" means encouraging or promoting growth.
Are there noun forms for "fester"?
Not commonly; it's mostly used as a verb but can refer to an infected wound.
Is "foster" always positive?
Yes, "foster" usually has positive connotations of nurturing or support.
What is the origin of "fester"?
"Fester" comes from Latin "fistula," meaning sore or ulcer.
What is an example of fostering in education?
Schools foster creativity by encouraging students to pursue artistic projects.
Can you foster adults as well as children?
In a caregiving sense, fostering primarily applies to children. However, fostering relationships or skills is universal.
Can "fester" be used figuratively?
Yes, it often refers to unresolved emotions or situations that worsen.
Is "foster" a synonym for "adopt"?
Not exactly. "Foster" refers to temporary care, while "adopt" implies permanent guardianship.
What is a foster family?
A foster family provides temporary care for children who cannot live with their biological parents.
How can wounds fester?
Wounds can fester when untreated, becoming infected and more painful over time.
Are there idioms with "fester"?
"Fester like an old wound" is an idiom highlighting how unresolved problems worsen.
How can one foster teamwork?
By encouraging collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect.
Is "festering" always visible?
Not always. Emotional or psychological issues can fester without clear outward signs.
Does fostering require certification?
Yes, foster parents usually need to complete training and be licensed.
Can ideas fester?
Yes, unresolved negative ideas or beliefs can fester and lead to unproductive outcomes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
