Definition of encourage

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en·cour·age    (n-kûrj, -kr-) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing, en·cour·ag·es

1. To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
2. To give support to; foster: policies designed to encourage private investment.
3. To stimulate; spur: burning the field to encourage new plant growth.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English encouragen, from Old French encoragier : en-, causative pref. ; see en-¹ + corage, courage ; see courage

OTHER FORMS:
en·courag·er(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
encourage, animate, cheer, embolden, hearten, inspirit

These verbs mean to impart courage, inspiration, and resolution to: encouraged the athlete to compete; played music to animate the crowd; a visitor cheering the patient; was emboldened to sing for the guests; praise that heartened us; a pep talk that inspirited the weary team.
Antonym: discourage