welfare Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Wel"fare` noun
Etymology
Well + fare to go, to proceed, to happen.
Definitions
  1. Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.
    How to study for the people's welfare. Shak.
    In whose deep eyes Men read the welfare of the times to come. Emerson.

Webster 1913