Webster's English Dictionary

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encourage

en.cour.age \in-'k*r-ij, -'k*-rij\ vt [ME encoragen, fr. MF encoragier, fr. 
   OF, fr. en- + corage] courage 1: to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : 
   HEARTEN  2: to spur on : STIMULATE  3: to give help or patronage to : 
   FOSTER