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.

David encouraged himself in the Lord.

Syn. -- To embolden; inspirit; animate; enhearten; hearten; incite; cheer; urge; impel; stimulate; instigate; countenance; comfort; promote; advance; forward; strengthen.

• To mentally support; to motivate.
       I encouraged him during his race.
  
• To recommend.
       We encourage the use of bicycles in town centre.