English dictionary

encourage

/E/n'k/[@]/r/I//dZ/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

verb

contribute to the progress or growth of

verb.social

Synonyms advance boost further promote

Source: WordNet 3.0
inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to

verb.emotion

Antonyms discourage

Source: WordNet 3.0
spur on

verb.communication

Examples
His financial success encouraged him to look for a wife.

Source: WordNet 3.0
To give courage to; to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to raise, or to increase, the confidence of; to animate; enhearten; to incite; to help forward; -- the opposite of <i>discourage</i>.

verb

Source: webster1913