Is the word encourage a noun?

No, "encourage" is a verb. It describes an action of giving someone support or confidence to do something.

Here are some examples:

* The coach encouraged the team to play their best.

* I encouraged her to apply for the job.

* His words encouraged me to keep trying.

There is no noun form of "encourage" that directly means the same thing. However, you could use phrases like "encouragement" or "support" to describe the action of encouraging someone.