助长
zhù zhǎng
to encourage or promote
父母的溺爱会助长孩子的坏习惯。
Parental overindulgence encourages bad habits in children.
general
To encourage or promote the growth or development of something, often in a negative or undesirable way.
他的自负助长了他的失败。
His arrogance promoted his failure.
这种政策助长了腐败。
This policy encourages corruption.
The word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the encouragement is harmful or undesirable.
Pro Tip
Negative Connotation
Be aware that '助长' often implies that the encouragement is harmful or undesirable.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '助' (to help) and '长' (to grow), literally meaning 'to help grow.'
Usage Notes
While '助长' can be used neutrally, it is often used to describe negative encouragement, such as bad habits or undesirable behaviors.
Word Breakdown
助
to help
root长
to grow
root汉英词典