The word "nurture" comes from the Latin verb "nutrire", meaning "to suckle" or "to nourish" or "to feed".  This was adopt by Old French as the word "noureture"  meaning "nourishment," and then to Middle English. 

The noun "nurture" was used in English in the 14th century, around 1300, referring to upbringing, rearing a child, or general education.  The verb "nurture" came into the language later, in the15th century, with its initial meaning being "to feed or nourish".  The sense of "nurture" meaning "to further the development of" emerged at the end of the 18th century.  This meaning is exemplified in Mary Wollstonecraft's 1792 writing, where she used "nurture" to describe how private virtue can foster public spirit.  

Examples of "nurture" in a sentence: 
As a Noun: 'Members of the family helped in the nurture of the baby."
"We are all what nature and nurture have made us, but which has the greatest impact is still under debate." 
"In the nurture of children, they are taught in both religious traditions." 
"But the Jews had established places where worship and spiritual nurture could take place."

As a Verb: "Teachers should nurture their students' creativity." 
"A professor who nurtures any student who shows true interest in history and government is commendable."
"The study looks at the ways parents nurture their children." 
"It is the task of every parent is to nurture his or her children until they reach a certain age." 

 

Just the facts:

NURTURE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster