Encourage

/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence; to stimulate by assistance, approval, or support.
Teachers encourage their students to explore their interests.
to promote, or foster an activity or development.
The charity aims to encourage literacy among children.
to give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
Her friends encouraged her to pursue her dreams despite the challenges.
to foster something, such as behavior or activity.
The new policies are designed to encourage environmental sustainability.
to persuade someone to do something.
He encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'encorager', from 'en-' (make) + 'corage' (courage)

Common Phrases and Expressions

encourage someone to do something
to urge someone to take a specific action.
encourage the growth of
to foster the development of something.
encourage creativity
to support and stimulate creative thinking.

Related Words

courage
the ability to do something that frightens one.
support
to bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
motivation
the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

Slang Meanings

pump up
The coach was there to pump up the team before the game.
root for
I always root for my friends to succeed.