Encourage (; 48), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Encouraged (; 48); p. pr. & vb. n. Encouraging.]
Etymology: [F. encourager; pref. en- (L. in) + courage courage. See Courage.]
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 discourage. David encouraged himself in the Lord. 1 Sam. xxx. 6.
Syn. -- To embolden; inspirit; animate; enhearten; hearten; incite; cheer; urge; impel; stimulate; instigate; countenance; comfort; promote; advance; forward; strengthen.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for encourage; he lists it under abet, cherish, console, help, promote.
Where he writes about it:
A clergyman will advocate the claims of justice, aid the poor, encourage the despondent, support the weak, uphold the constituted authorities; but he will not incite to a quarrel, instigate a riot, or abet a crime. — from abet
Encourage refers to mental aid, as uphold now usually does; succor and support, oftenest to material assistance. — from help
We encourage the timid or despondent, succor the endangered, support the weak, uphold those who else might be shaken or cast down. — from help
Synonyms
abetcherishconsolehelppromoteadvanceadvocateaidassistbefriendcheercling tocomfortcondole withcooperatecountenanceelevateemboldenentertainexaltexcitefomentforwardfosterfurtherharborhold dearinciteinstigatenourishnursenurturepreferprotectpushpush onraisesanctionsecondshelterstand bysuccorsupportsustainsympathize withtreasureupholdurge forwardurge onvalue