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

A self-styled anarchist website in Portland, Ore., encouraged supporters to use high-powered laser pointers to bring down federal helicopters in the area.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Trinidad’s government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, supports the U.S. military buildup and says it encourages strikes on drug vessels traveling from Venezuela, trips that her government says have grown more common.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I encourage the legislature to enact follow up legislation in 2026, before the law takes effect, to address these technical feasibility issues.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Officials hope that preserving the church as a community hub will help give the city new life, while encouraging future generations to stay.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr Jeffries encouraged people to pay attention to trends, as they were "defining factors" of a project and would help designs to stay remembered.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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