encourage

verb

in-KUR-ij/ɪnˈkɝ.ɪd͡ʒ/UKin-KU-rij/ɪnˈkʌɹ.ɪd͡ʒ/

Formsencourages, encouraging, encouraged

3 meanings of encourage

1
verbtransitive
To give someone courage, hope, or confidence to keep going.
Like cheering for a friend so they feel braver.
Her parents encourage her whenever she feels nervous about school.
The coach encouraged the players before the big match.
Similarmotivate, hearten, embolden, inspire, excite
Oppositediscourage, dishearten
2
verbtransitive
To tell someone you really think they should do something.
Like a friend pushing you to sign up for the team.
Doctors encourage their patients to drink more water.
We encouraged him to apply for the new job.
Similarurge, advise, recommend, prompt, suggest
Oppositediscourage, dissuade, deter
3
verbtransitive
To help something grow by giving it support or money.
Like watering a plant so it grows bigger and stronger.
Good policies encourage growth in poor neighborhoods.
The city encouraged new businesses with lower taxes.
Similarfoster, promote, nurture, support
Oppositediscourage, hinder, inhibit, stifle

Practice

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Origin

This word came into Middle English from Old French through Anglo-Norman. It is made from en- plus courage.