1 give courage, confidence, or hope to.
2 (foll. by to + infin.) urge, advise.
3 stimulate by help, reward, etc.
4 promote or assist (an enterprise, opinion, etc.).
Derivatives:
encouragement n. encourager n. encouraging adj. encouragingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. F encourager (as EN(1), COURAGE)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.