nourish

Nourish is a verb meaning to provide substances necessary for growth, health, or maintenance. It can also refer to supplying emotional or intellectual sustenance. In everyday language, to nourish someone or something is to feed or nurture them so that development or well‑being can occur. The related noun nourishment denotes the act or process of nourishing, or the substances that nourish.

Originating in Old French nourrir, from Latin nutrire, nour‑, the term is linked to the root nutr- meaning to feed or suckle. It is related to nutrition and nutritious, terms that describe the intake and use of nutrients by an organism.

In nutrition science, nourishment involves delivering energy and essential nutrients—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water—to support metabolism, growth, and tissue maintenance. A balanced pattern of nourishment supports health and development, while malnutrition can result from inadequate or excessive intake and may contribute to disease.

Beyond physical sustenance, nourish is used metaphorically to describe feeding the mind, emotions, or spirit—examples include education, creative work, relationships, and community support. In horticulture and agriculture, nourishment also refers to providing nutrients to plants through soil, fertilizer, and irrigation.

Social and cultural factors shape what is considered nourishing, influencing dietary guidelines, food security, and public health strategies. Access to a varied and nutrient-rich diet remains a central concern in many regions, affecting growth, immunity, and long‑term well‑being.