from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Encourage \En*cour"age\ (?; 48), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Encouraged} (?; 48); p. pr. & vb. n. {Encouraging}.] [F.
encourager; pref. en- (L. in) + courage courage. See
{Courage}.]
To give courage to; to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope;
to raise, or to increase, the confidence of; to animate;
enhearten; to incite; to help forward; -- the opposite of
{discourage}.
[1913 Webster]
David encouraged himself in the Lord. --1 Sam. xxx.
6.
Syn: To embolden; inspirit; animate; enhearten; hearten;
incite; cheer; urge; impel; stimulate; instigate;
countenance; comfort; promote; advance; forward;
strengthen.
[1913 Webster]