encourage
en-cour-age · verb
Definitions
verb
- 1.
To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
- 2.
To stimulate the development of something; to promote.
- 3.
To persuade someone to do something.
Phrases & expressions
- •encourage someone to do something — to persuade or support someone in an action
- •words of encouragement — supportive or motivating statements
- •actively encourage — to strongly promote or support something
Related words
Etymology
From Old French encourager ("to make strong, hearten"), from en- ("make, put in") + corage ("courage"), from Latin cor ("heart"). First used in English in the 15th century.