encourage

[ en-kur-ij, -kuhr- ]

verb (used with object)

, en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• enˈcouragingly, adverb
• enˈcouragement, noun
• enˈcouraging, adjective
• enˈcourager, noun

Other Words From

• en·courag·er noun
• en·courag·ing·ly adverb
• over·en·courage verb (used with object) overencouraged overencouraging
• preen·courage verb (used with object) preencouraged preencouraging
• reen·courage verb (used with object) reencouraged reencouraging
• unen·couraged adjective
• unen·courag·ing adjective
• well-en·couraged 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

We also suggest that groups of countries could come together in sugar transition partnerships between producers and consumers that encourage a diversion of sugar away from peoples' diets to more beneficial uses.

From Salon

“I would encourage my Republican colleagues to join with us to get this done now,” Stabenow said during a floor speech Monday.

From Salon

The FAW asked families to report any "potential illegal activity to police in the first instance", but also encouraged them to get in touch for support.

From BBC

Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, scientists think that some of the hallmarks of diabetes -- such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation -- may encourage the development of dementia in the brain.

From Science Daily

“It encourages emotion to drive our decision-making behavior, as opposed to logic,” Wright said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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