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tr.v. en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing, en·cour·ag·es 1. To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence. 2. To give support to; foster: policies designed to encourage private investment. 3. To stimulate; spur: burning the field to encourage new plant growth. [Middle English encouragen, from Old French encoragier : en-, causative pref.; see EN-1 + corage, courage; see COURAGE.] en·courag·er n. Synonyms: encourage, cheer, embolden, hearten, inspire These verbs mean to impart courage, inspiration, and resolution to: encouraged the patient not to give up hope; cheered the contestants on; was emboldened to sing for the guests; was heartened by the test results; were inspired by their initial success to take the next step. |
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