spur
/spɜr/
noun
- A device with a small spike or wheel, worn on a rider's heel to urge a horse forward.
- In medieval times, knights wore golden spurs as a symbol of honor.
- The cowboy gently touched his horse's side with the spur.
- She cleaned the mud off her riding boots and spurs after the trail ride.
- Something that encourages or motivates action.
- Her inspiring words acted as a spur for the team to work harder.
- Hunger can be a powerful spur to get up and find food.
- The promise of a bonus was the spur he needed to finish the project early.
- A short, sharp projection or point, such as on a plant, animal, or mountain.
- Some roses have thorns that are more like spurs than regular prickles.
- The rooster has a sharp spur on each leg for fighting.
- A long spur of rock jutted out from the side of the mountain.
verb
- To urge a horse forward by using spurs.
- He spurred his horse into a gallop across the field.
- She spurred her mount forward to catch up with the others.
- The rider spurred the pony gently to keep it moving.
- To encourage or motivate someone to take action or move faster.
- The coach's speech spurred the players to victory.
- Rising costs spurred the company to find more efficient methods.
- A sense of curiosity spurred her to explore the old library.
Antonyms