encouragement

noun

1. 1

   The act of encouraging

2. 2

   Something that incites, supports, promotes, protects or advances; incentive

   even their arch-enemy the gamekeeper is beginning reluctantly, but gradually, to acquiesce in the general belief of their innocence and utility, I cannot help indulging the hope that this bird will eventually meet with that general encouragement and protection to which its eminent services so richly entitle it.

   The train was handed over 21 min. late at Salisbury, so there was every encouragement to Driver Moore, of Salisbury, to "get a move on."

3. 3

   Words or actions that increase someone's confidence

   If I live, an' please your honour, but once to get through it, I will never tell it again, quoth Trim, either to man, woman, or child--Poo--poo! said my uncle Toby--but with accents of such sweet encouragement did he utter it, that the corporal went on with his story with more alacrity than ever.

4. 4

   The feeling of being encouraged

Forms

plural

encouragements