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

In this way, we encourage civic engagement and make climate adaptation both tangible and motivating.

From Science Daily

Broadcast executives are encouraged that Carr is calling for greater regulation of the tech industry, which he outlines in a chapter he wrote for Project 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

The Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that the ruling wouldn’t affect its ongoing efforts to investigate “allegations of law enforcement gang activity” and that officials “encourage” deputies to “engage with” oversight bodies.

From Los Angeles Times

In the case of Ms Batool and Mr Malik, he said they would have to consider if they played a part by their own acts of violence or by “assisting or encouraging” others.

From BBC

"The three-month outcomes are encouraging, but the six- and 12-month outcomes will be vital in understanding whether, with the exception of battery life, the reprocessed pacemakers can function like new ones."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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