promote

[pruh-moht]

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verb (used with object), pro·mot·ed, pro·mot·ing.

to help or encourage to exist or flourish; further: to promote world peace.

to advance in rank, dignity, position, etc. (opposed to demote).

Education. to put ahead to the next higher stage or grade of a course or series of classes.

to aid in organizing (business undertakings).

to encourage the sales, acceptance, etc., of (a product), especially through advertising or other publicity.

Informal. to obtain (something) by cunning or trickery; wangle.

Nearby words

Origin of promote

1350–1400; Middle English promoten < Latin prōmōtus, past participle of prōmovēre to move forward, advance. See pro-¹, motive

SYNONYMS FOR promote

1. abet, back, forward, advance, assist, help, support. 2. elevate, raise, exalt.

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ANTONYMS FOR promote

1. discourage, obstruct. 2. demote, degrade, abase.

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Related forms

pro·mot·able, adjectivepro·mot·a·bil·i·ty, nounpre·pro·mote, verb (used with object), pre·pro·mot·ed, pre·pro·mot·ing.self-pro·mot·ing, adjective

un·pro·mot·a·ble, adjectiveun·pro·mot·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for promote

She wrote for LIFE magazine and would go on Johnny Carson to promote her books.
Meghan Daum On Tackling The Unspeakable Parts Of Life|David Yaffe|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Another chilling recipe for injustice and resentment by closing down the open society you seek to promote.
To Stop ISIS, Britain Is Set to Stop Free Speech|Nico Hines|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When it appears it is largely used to chastise transsexuals and to promote celibacy.
Intersexuality and God Through the Ages|Candida Moss|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We try to support activities that promote education and public participation about the Lincoln story.
What Lincoln Could Teach Fox News|Scott Porch|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Her parents rebutted the accusations through homemade (though highly produced) videos which promote her exhibitions.
The Tiniest Jackson Pollock|Justin Jones|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A few have been introduced into Mahé, and great care is now being taken in order to promote their extension.
Cruise of the 'Alert'|R. W. Coppinger
The "Y" workers did promote one form of entertainment, however, that the boys thoroughly enjoyed.
In the Flash Ranging Service|Edward Alva Trueblood
What sort of means do the groups use to promote their interests?
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
"And I also will strive to promote the will of my king," asserted Woellner.
Old Fritz and the New Era|Louise Muhlbach
There is yet another reason for which it is improper to admit such evidence as this bill has a tendency to promote.
The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 11.|Samuel Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for promote

promote

verb (tr)

to further or encourage the progress or existence of

to raise to a higher rank, status, degree, etc

to advance (a pupil or student) to a higher course, class, etc

to urge the adoption of; work forto promote reform

to encourage the sale of (a product) by advertising or securing financial support

chess to exchange (a pawn) for any piece other than a king when the pawn reaches the 8th rank

Derived Formspromotable, adjectivepromotion, nounpromotional, adjective

Word Origin for promote

C14: from Latin prōmovēre to push onwards, from pro- 1 + movēre to move

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

Word Origin and History for promote

promote

late 14c., "to advance (someone) to a higher grade or office," from Old French promoter and directly from Latin promotus, past participle of promovere "move forward, advance; cause to advance, push onward; bring to light, reveal," from pro- "forward" (see pro-) + movere "to move" (see move (v.)). General sense of "to further the growth or progress of (anything)" is from 1510s. Related: Promoted; promoting.