encourage

[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-]

verb (used with object)

encouraged, encouraging 

1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.

   His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

   Synonyms: reassure, hearten, embolden
   Antonyms: dishearten, discourage

2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc..

   One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

   Synonyms: help, aid, support, urge

3. to promote, advance, or foster.

   Poverty often encourages crime.

encourage

/ ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ /

verb

1. to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something)

2. to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help; support

Other Word Forms

• encourager noun
• encouragingly adverb
• overencourage verb (used with object)
• preencourage verb (used with object)
• reencourage verb (used with object)
• unencouraged adjective
• unencouraging adjective
• well-encouraged adjective
• encouragement noun
• encouraging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encourage¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French, Middle French encorag(i)er; en- ¹ ( def. ), courage ( def. )

Example Sentences

Instead of making people fear Spanish at the Super Bowl, maybe encourage them to spend this NFL season learning something beyond “gracias.“

From Los Angeles Times

Her parents always encouraged her to put her studies first, she says.

From BBC

"Despite the delay, we've been encouraged by a surprising influx of new interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that our shared dream is very much alive," VCL's website reads.

From BBC

That database only tracks "unprovoked" incidents – excluding those potentially encouraged by humans through activities such as spear fishing – but a fuller database of all recorded shark interactions in Australia is maintained by Taronga Conservation Society.

From BBC

Other video evidence showed Ethan being forced to keep his hands on his head in "stress positions" and Michael Ives apparently encouraging another child to hit Ethan on the head.

From BBC

Related Words

• advocate 
• aid 
• assist 
• bolster 
• boost 
• develop 
• ease 
• favor 
• further 
• improve 
• invite 
• promote 
• reassure 
• reinforce 
• spur 
• strengthen 
• subsidize 
• support