— encourager , n. — encouragingly , adv.
/en kerr"ij, -kur"-/ , v.t., encouraged, encouraging .
1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.
3. to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.
[ 1400-50; late ME encoragen encorag ( i ) er. See EN- 1 , COURAGE ]
Syn. 1. embolden, hearten, reassure. 2. urge; support, aid, help.
Ant. 1. discourage, dishearten.