en·cour·age 
(ĕn-kûrĭj, -kŭr-)
(ĕn-kûrĭj, -kŭr-)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.
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.