emboldening

Making someone braver

Emboldening is giving someone courage or confidence to act.

News reports speak of policies emboldening adversaries or critics.

A successful first attempt can be emboldening, making the next one easier.

The word implies removing hesitation—what was previously too risky now seems possible.

strengthening

fortifying

Making stronger or sturdier

reinforcingMaking more robust
steelingMentally preparing oneself
hardeningBecoming less soft

toughening · invigorating · energizing · bracing · girding · consolidating · solidifying · stiffening · bolstering · shoring up

encouraging

motivating

Prompting someone to act

inspiringEvoking enthusiasm or drive
hearteningInspiring confidence or cheer
upliftingEmotionally encouraging

reassuring · cheering · supportive · empowering · spurring · exhorting · rallying · affirming · rousing · galvanizing

Categories

upliftingencouraging, inspiring, heartening, uplifting, motivating
incitementinciting, instigating, provoking, incitement, instigation
psyching uppsyching up, pep talk, self talk, bracing, mustering
helping actionshelping, aiding, assisting, supporting, enabling
persuadingpersuading, convincing, urging, coaxing, influencing
reinforcingreinforcing, strengthening, supporting, bolstering, shoring

Opposites

courage/confidence effect

emboldeningdiscouraging

Causing loss of confidence

disheartening · demoralizing · intimidating · dispiriting · cowing

intimidation/fear induction

emboldeningdaunting

Discouraging through difficulty

intimidating · frightening · terrifying · unnerving · rattling

motivation and initiative

emboldeningdiscouraging

Causing loss of confidence

deterring · dissuading · demotivating · paralyzing · inhibiting

Family

bold, boldness, boldly, embolden, boldest, bolder, emboldened, emboldens, boldface

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G