en⋅cour⋅age
–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag⋅ing.
| 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. |
Origin:
1400–50; late ME
encoragen < AF, MF
encorag(
i)
er. See
en- 1 ,
courage 
Related forms:
en⋅cour⋅ag⋅er, noun
en⋅cour⋅ag⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Synonyms:
1. embolden, hearten, reassure. 2. urge; support, aid, help.
Antonyms:
1. discourage, dishearten.
you and yours encouraged me greatly by your visit this month..in a hundred little ways. thank you. DM
~Ditto, DM, I’m waiting impatiently for next year!