welfare meaning and definition

WELFARE noun

Definition of welfare (noun)

1. governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
   • "she lives on welfare"
   • synonyms: public assistance, social welfare
2. something that aids or promotes well-being
   • "for the benefit of all"
   • synonyms: benefit
3. a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
   • "the town was finally on the upbeat after our recent troubles"
   • synonyms: eudaemonia, eudaimonia, upbeat, wellbeing, well-being
   • antonym: ill-being