encourage

Etymology

From Middle English encouragen, encoragen, from Anglo-Norman encoragier, from Old French encoragier. Displaced native Old English hiertan, tyhtan, and trymman.

verb

  1. To mentally support; to motivate, give courage, hope or spirit.
    I encouraged him during his race.
    Delia's coach encouraged her to focus on the positives.
  2. To spur on, strongly recommend.
    We encourage the use of bicycles in the town centre.
    We encourage you to cycle instead of taking the car.
  3. To foster, give help or patronage
    The royal family has always encouraged the arts in word and deed.

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