welfare (ˈwɛlˌfɛə
)
Definitions
noun
- health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being in general
- financial and other assistance given to people in need
- ((as modifier) ⇒
welfare services
- Also called
welfare work plans or work to better the social or economic conditions of various underprivileged groups - See the welfare
- See on welfare
Word Origin
C14: from the phrase wel fare; related to Old Norse velferth, German Wohlfahrt; see wellC14: from the phrase related to Old Norse German see 1, , fareSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
wellbeing,
good,
interest,
health,
security,
benefit,
success,
profit,
safety,
protection,
fortune,
comfort,
happiness,
prosperity,
prosperousness,
=
state benefit,
support,
benefits,
pensions,
dole,
social security,
unemployment benefit,
state benefits,
Jobseeker's Allowance,
JSA,
pogey,
Usage examples
His concern for their welfare had given her added insight into his personality.
, The Image of Laura (1993)With the US economy in full swing, many recipients, including single mothers, abandoned welfare to take up jobs.
New Scientist (2003)Ottawa had planned to raise the NCB payment in July, 2004, above the $2,500 threshold, so that welfare parents would benefit.
Globe and Mail (2003)Britain wants excellent health, education, transport, and welfare.
Glasgow Herald (2001)This might help to explain why street children often respond badly to welfare programmes that seek to bring them back into formal education.
, MAKING HAPPY PEOPLE (2005)