spur

To encourage someone to act, or make something happen faster.

• The news spurred him to act.
• Lower prices could spur demand.
• Her coach’s praise spurred her on during the race.

How to use it: spur someone to do something (The award spurred her to write another book.); spur someone into something (The warning spurred them into action.); spur someone on (The crowd spurred the runners on.)

Similar words: encourage, stimulate, prompt

Opposites: discourage

Common phrases: spur someone on, spur economic growth, spur someone into

To press metal points on your boots against a horse to make it move faster.

• He spurred his horse forward.
• The rider spurred her mount into a gallop.
• Do not spur a tired horse.

How to use it: spur a horse into something (She spurred her horse into a gallop.)

Similar words: urge on

Common phrases: spur a horse, spur something forward

A pointed metal piece worn on a rider’s heel to make a horse move.

• A metal spur was fixed to his boot.
• The rider wore silver spurs.
• She touched the horse gently with one spur.

Common phrases: riding spur, metal spur, spur on something, silver spur

Something that encourages a person to act or try harder.

• The prize was a useful spur.
• Competition provided a spur to better service.
• Her early success became a spur to further effort.

How to use it: a spur to something (The grant was a spur to new research.)

Similar words: incentive, encouragement, stimulus

Opposites: deterrent

Common phrases: spur to action, spur to growth, a useful spur

A hard, sharp point growing near an animal’s foot, especially on a male chicken.

• The rooster had a sharp spur.
• One of the bird’s spurs was broken.
• Male chickens use their spurs during fights.

Similar words: spike

Common phrases: rooster spur, sharp spur, leg spur