encourage

encourage (one) in (something)

To support and urge one on in some pursuit. My dad has always encouraged me in my studies, but he refuses to accept my interest in becoming an actress. Who encouraged you the most in your quest to become mayor? Professor Smith always encouraged me in my art. Without her, I certainly wouldn't be showing in the gallery this fall.

See also: encourage

encourage (one) to (do something)

To urge one to do something. My dad has always encouraged me to become an actress, but I just don't enjoy being the center of attention. That serious illness encouraged Colleen to start thinking about retirement. I hope this incident with your house encourages you to take out flood insurance!

See also: encourage, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

encourage someone in something

to give support to someone about something in particular. We want to encourage her in her musical career. Ted encouraged me in my efforts to become a baseball player.

See also: encourage

encourage someone to do something

to inspire or stimulate someone to do something; to give someone the courage to do something. We encouraged her to develop her musical talents. He encouraged himself to study hard so he could make it into medical school.

See also: encourage, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.