noun (n)

• the expression of approval and support(noun.communication)

  Antonym:
  discouragement
  

  source: wordnet30
• the act of giving hope or support to someone(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  boost
  

  source: wordnet30
• the feeling of being encouraged(noun.feeling)

  source: wordnet30
• The act of encouraging; incitement to action or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity.(noun)

  source: webster1913