encouragement Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the expression of approval and support
  2. noun the act of giving hope or support to someone
    boost.
  3. noun the feeling of being encouraged

WordNet

En*cour"age*ment noun
Etymology
Cf. F. encouragement.
Definitions
  1. The act of encouraging; incitement to action or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity.
    All generous encouragement of arts. Otway.
  2. That which serves to incite, support, promote, or advance, as favor, countenance, reward, etc.; incentive; increase of confidence; as, the fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people.
    To think of his paternal care, Is a most sweet encouragement to prayer. Byron.

Webster 1913