Promote, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Promoted; p. pr. & vb. n. Promoting.]
Etymology: [L. promotus, p. p. of promovere to move forward, to promote; pro forward + movere to move. See Move.]
1. To contribute to the growth, enlargement, or prosperity of (any process or thing that is in course); to forward; to further; to encourage; to advance; to excite; as, to promote learning; to promote disorder; to promote a business venture. "Born to promote all truth." Milton.
2. To exalt in station, rank, or honor; to elevate; to raise; to prefer; to advance; as, to promote an officer. I will promote thee unto very great honor. Num. xxii. 17. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. Prov. iv. 18.
Syn. -- To forward; advance; further; patronize; help; exalt; prefer; elevate; dignify.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Promote, v. i.
To urge on or incite another, as to strife; also, to inform against a person. [Obs.]
Shades of meaning
To promote (L. pro, forward, and moveo, move) is to cause to move forward toward some desired end or to raise to some higher position, rank, or dignity. We promote a person by advancing, elevating, or exalting him to a higher position or dignity. A person promotes a scheme or an enterprise which others have projected or begun, and which he encourages, forwards, furthers, pushes, or urges on, especially when he acts as the agent of the prime movers and supporters of the enterprise. One who excites a quarrel originates it; to promote a quarrel is strictly to foment and urge it on, the one who promotes keeping himself in the background. Compare abet; quicken.