welfare

/ˈwel-ˌfer/

Middle English, from the phrase wel faren to fare well

noun

  1. the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity

  2. aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need

  3. an agency or program through which such aid is distributed

must look out for your own welfare

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and especially with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups

  2. receiving public welfare benefits

welfare legislation

noun

  1. a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens

  2. a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system