Word ENCOURAGE: meanings, synonyms & antonyms

encourage

🇺🇸 [ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ]

Meanings

To give support, confidence, or hope to someone, often in a way that motivates or reassures them to take action or feel capable.

Examples

• Teachers encourage students to ask questions.
• His words encouraged her to keep going.
• The coach encourages the team at every game.

Synonyms

motivate • inspire • uplift

Antonyms

discourage • deter • dishearten