maternalism

Noun maternalism has 2 senses

• maternalism(n = noun.attribute) maternal quality, maternity, motherliness - 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"
is a kind of parental quality
Derived form adjective maternalistic₁

• maternalism(n = noun.act) - motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children;
is a kind of aid, attention, care, tending
Derived form adjective maternalistic₁