Spur

/spɜːr/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A pointed device worn on a rider's heel for urging a horse forward.
The cowboy used his spur to encourage the horse to gallop faster.
Something that encourages a person to take action or makes an event happen.
The scholarship served as a spur for her to pursue higher education.
verb
To encourage or stimulate someone to take action.
The coach's speech spurred the team to victory.
To urge a horse forward with spurs.
She spurred the horse to jump over the obstacle.

Etymology

Middle English spurre, from Old English spear (the point), of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

spur of the moment:
An impulsive decision made without prior planning.
spur someone on:
To encourage someone to take action or to work harder.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Spur someone on
He really spurred me on to finish the project.
Spur of the moment decision
Going to the concert was a spur of the moment decision.