Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun maternalism

2 senses of maternalism

Sense 1
motherliness, maternalism, maternal quality, maternity -- (the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children")
       => parental quality -- (a quality appropriate to a parent)

Sense 2
maternalism -- (motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children)
       => care, attention, aid, tending -- (the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something; "no medical care was required"; "the old car needs constant attention")