- spur on
"His financial success encouraged him to look for a wife"

- inspire with confidence

- give hope or courage to

- contribute to the progress or growth of
"I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom"

1. 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.

"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.