hearten

[ hahr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give courage or confidence to; cheer.

hearten

/ ˈhɑːtən /

verb

1. to make or become cheerful

Other Words From

• hearten·er noun
• hearten·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearten¹

First recorded in 1520–30; heart + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Taking angry exception to Monday’s general strike, Netanyahu reportedly declared that the walkout would only serve to hearten Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

From Los Angeles Times

The outpouring of love and offers of support hearten us.

From Seattle Times

The action from the E.P.A. is likely to hearten climate activists, who are angry over the Biden administration’s recent decision to approve an enormous oil drilling project on federal land in Alaska.

From New York Times

Members of Congress might bear in mind that mixed messaging from Washington will only hearten Russia’s sympathizers in Europe, who will exploit it to undercut support for Ukraine.

From Washington Post

We’ll see if House Republicans could actually follow through with that—Senate Republicans are still largely in lockstep behind support for Ukraine—but it must hearten Vladimir Putin to see the rare American consensus on this issue show signs of wear.

From Slate

Related Words

• animate
• arouse
• assure
• buoy
• cheer
• comfort
• embolden
• encourage
• energize
• inspire
• reassure
• strengthen