governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
"she lives on welfare"
a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
"the town was finally on the upbeat after our recent troubles"
Health, safety, happiness and prosperity; well-being in any respect.
"The community gathered to discuss measures that would improve the overall welfare of the elderly residents in their neighborhood."
In plain English: Welfare is the general well-being and happiness of people or animals.
"The local community center offers food and financial assistance to help improve everyone's welfare."
To provide with welfare or aid.
"The local charity worked tirelessly to provide welfare for families displaced by the flood."
In plain English: To welfare someone means to provide them with money or help so they can meet their basic needs.
"She hopes to welfare-check on her elderly neighbor soon."
Usage: This verb form, meaning to care for someone's well-being through financial assistance, is rarely used in modern English and should be avoided in favor of the noun phrase "provide welfare." Instead, use active verbs like "support," "assist," or "aid" when describing actions taken to help others.
The word welfare comes from the Middle English phrase welefare, which was likely formed from the Old English words for "well" and "to fare." Originally meaning to prosper or get along successfully, it entered modern usage as a compound of well and fare.