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]