The Clue
Encourages (7 letter answer)
The Answer
ASSURES
Tags
Notes
The answer ASSURES is rarely seen, appearing only about once every 1100 puzzles.
Related Clues
Guarantees
Pledges
Promises
Warrants
Bolsters the confidence of
Eases the misgivings of
Gives confidence to
Informs positively
Makes certain
Gives one's word
Definition
ASSURE as a verb:
1. (guarantee, ensure, insure, assure, secure) = make certain of; "This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us"; "Preparation will guarantee success!"
2. (assure, tell) = inform positively and with certainty and confidence; "I tell you that man is a crook!"
3. assure somebody of the truth of something with the intention of giving the listener confidence; "I assured him that traveling to Cambodia was safe"
4. (see, check, insure, see to it, ensure, control, ascertain, assure) = be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something; "He verified that the valves were closed"; "See that the curtains are closed"; "control the quality of the product"
5. (reassure, assure) = cause to feel sure; give reassurance to; "The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe"
6. (promise, assure) = make a promise or commitment