nourrir

Senses

1. 1.

   to feed

   to give food to (a person or animal)

2. 2.

   to nourish

   to provide sustenance or nutritional value

3. 3.

   to harbor / foster

   to maintain or encourage (a feeling, hope, doubt, etc.)

4. 4.

   to sustain

   to support the development or existence of something

Examples

• "Je nourris les enfants avec du riz et des légumes."

  I feed the children with rice and vegetables.

• "Cette nourriture nourrit le corps et l'esprit."

  This food nourishes both the body and mind.

• "Il nourrit l'espoir de devenir musicien."

  He harbors the hope of becoming a musician.

Usage

Standard verb; conjugates regularly (-ir group). Metaphorical use is common: nourrir une passion (nurture a passion), nourrir des doutes (harbor doubts). Do not confuse with nourriture (noun, "food").