en·cour·age
(ĕn-kûŕĭj, -kŭŕ-)
[Middle English encouragen, from Old French encoragier, en-, causative pref.; see en–1, + corage, courage; see courage.]
transitive verb: -aged, -ag·ing, -ag·es.
- To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
- To give support to; foster: policies designed to encourage private investment.
- To stimulate; spur: burning the field to encourage new plant growth.
derivatives
- en·couŕag·er
- noun
synonyms:
encourage, animate, cheer, embolden, hearten, inspirit These verbs mean to impart courage, inspiration, and resolution to: encouraged the athlete to compete; played music to animate the crowd; a visitor cheering the patient; was emboldened to sing for the guests; praise that heartened us; a pep talk that inspirited the weary team.
Antonym: discourage