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welfare state

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welfare state

–noun
a state in which the welfare of the people in such matters as social security, health and education, housing, and working conditions is the responsibility of the government.

Origin:
1940–45
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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welfare state  
n.  
  1. A social system whereby the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, as in matters of health care, education, employment, and social security.

  2. A nation in which such a system operates.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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