encourage

[ en-kur-ij, -kuhr- ]

See synonyms for encourage on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing.

to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.

Origin of encourage

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

Other words for encourage

1	embolden, hearten, reassure
2	urge; support, aid, help

See synonyms for encourage on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for encourage

1	discourage, dishearten

See antonyms for encourage on Thesaurus.com

Other words from encourage

en·cour·ag·er, noun
en·cour·ag·ing·ly, adverb
o·ver·en·cour·age, verb (used with object), o·ver·en·cour·aged, o·ver·en·cour·ag·ing.
pre·en·cour·age, verb (used with object), pre·en·cour·aged, pre·en·cour·ag·ing.
re·en·cour·age, verb (used with object), re·en·cour·aged, re·en·cour·ag·ing.
un·en·cour·aged, adjective
un·en·cour·ag·ing, adjective
well-en·cour·aged, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use encourage in a sentence

That would put a real crimp in the dating seminars of a man who actively encourages abusive behavior toward women.
‘Pick-Up Artist’ to Be Banned from UK | Tom Sykes | November 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
This hardly seems to be an atmosphere that encourages a sexual assault victim to follow through with an allegation.
Alleged U.Va. Abductor Accused of Rape at Christian College | Michael Daly | September 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A study that encourages us to pretend is one that showed that black kids, when asked whether they value school, say they do.
No, 'Acting White' Has Not Been Debunked | John McWhorter | September 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The irony in it, today, is that it encourages Jews from countries like France to immigrate into Israel, thus making it stronger.
Europe’s Jews Punished for Israel’s War | Eli Lake | July 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“The trust of the Leader is our greatest asset and encourages us,” he tweeted.
Iran Supreme Leader Spills the Nuke Talk Secrets | IranWire | July 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

A pension encourages earlier retirement from work, quickens promotion, and vitalises the whole service.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph Tatlow
It encourages me to observe that last month you devoted a week to prayer in the place of an address.
Third class in Indian railways | Mahatma Gandhi
He encourages literature, art, and music, and makes Paris so beautiful that its citizens are justified in their pride.
Napoleon's Young Neighbor | Helen Leah Reed
"Well, that's the way she encourages me: it's meat and drink to me," Nick went on.
The Tragic Muse | Henry James
It condemns the speaker and the whole system which advances and encourages such narrow and vicious methods.
Islam Her Moral And Spiritual Value | Arthur Glyn Leonard

British Dictionary definitions for encourage

encourage

/ (ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ) /

verb(tr)

to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something)
to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help; support

Derived forms of encourage

encouragement, noun
encourager, noun
encouraging, adjective
encouragingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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