ˈhärt ə n, ˈhȧt- verb
( heartened ; heartened ; heartening -t( ə )niŋ ; heartens )
Etymology: heart- (I) + -en
transitive verb
1. : to give heart to : inspire with fresh zeal, hope, or courage : rouse from indifference or discouragement
people … whose presence either heartened the spirit or kindled the mind — Jan Struther
their supporters are enormously heartened — Mollie Panter-Downes
2. archaic : to restore fertility or strength to (as land)
intransitive verb
: to take courage : become imbued with fresh spirit and energy
then the engine would hearten up and show off its paces — William Baucke
Synonyms: see encourage