What does nursed mean?
Nursed is the past tense and past participle of nurse, a verb meaning to care for someone who is ill, injured, or in need of attention. It also has broader figurative uses: a person may nurse a hope, preserve a tradition, sustain a project, or hold on to resentment. These extended meanings emphasize gradual care, maintenance, and persistence rather than a single act of assistance. In literal contexts, the word is ordinary and often describes caregiving, recovery, or treatment. In figurative contexts, it can suggest emotional attachment and may carry a mildly critical tone when used with phrases such as 'nurse a grudge.' The verb is common in British and American English, while its idiomatic and metaphorical uses make it especially useful in literary and informal writing.
verbTo care for someone who is ill, injured, or otherwise in need of help and attention. In extended uses, it means to keep something alive or active, or to maintain a feeling such as resentment over time.
- To care for an ill, injured, or vulnerable person.
- To feed, tend, or otherwise keep someone or something healthy and growing.
- To hold or maintain a feeling, such as hope, resentment, or suspicion, over time.
- To keep an idea, project, or organization active or viable.
"She nursed her brother through a long recovery after the accident."
"The nurse cared for the patient throughout the night."
"For years, he nursed a grudge against his former business partner."
"The fund was nursed through several difficult years before it became successful."
To nurse something can mean to care for it, sustain it, or quietly hold on to it—especially an emotion you refuse to let go.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How nursed is actually used
The word is neutral in its literal sense of providing care, but in extended senses it can suggest patience, preservation, or persistent emotional attachment. The phrase 'nurse a grudge' is idiomatic and usually implies maintaining resentment for a long time.
Easily confused with nursed
Nursed usually refers to caring for someone who needs attention or recovery, while nurtured often means fostering growth, development, or a positive quality.