public assistance

SEE SYNONYMS FOR public assistance ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

government aid to the poor, disabled, or aged or to dependent children, as financial assistance or food stamps.

Origin of public assistance

First recorded in 1900–05

OTHER WORDS FROM public assistance

pub·lic-as·sis·tance, adjective

Words nearby public assistance

public accountant, public act, public administration, public administrator, public affairs, public assistance, public bar, public bill, public broadcasting service, public charge, public company

Words related to public assistance

relief, welfare

British Dictionary definitions for public assistance

public assistance

noun

US payment given to individuals by government agencies on the basis of need