'weed-encouraging' is a compound word formed from 'weed' and 'encouraging'. 'Weed' originates from Old English 'wēod', meaning 'herb, grass, or weed'. 'Encouraging' comes from Old French 'encoragier', where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'corage' meant 'heart or spirit'.

'weed' remained largely unchanged from Old English to modern English. 'Encouraging' evolved from Old French 'encoragier' to Middle English 'encouragen', eventually becoming 'encourage' in modern English.

Initially, 'weed' referred to any plant growing where it was not wanted, and 'encouraging' meant to give support or confidence. The compound 'weed-encouraging' specifically refers to promoting the growth of unwanted plants.