verb (v)

• contribute to the progress or growth of(verb.social)

  Synonym:
  advance, boost, further, promote
  

  source: wordnet30
• inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to(verb.emotion)

  Antonym:
  discourage
  

  source: wordnet30
• spur on(verb.communication)

  Example:
  His financial success encouraged him to look for a wife.
  

  source: wordnet30
• 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.(verb)

  source: webster1913