First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1spur
noun \ˈspər\
: a sharp pointed object that is attached to the heel of a horse rider's boot and that is pressed into the horse's side to make the horse go faster
: something that makes you want to do something or that causes something to happen
: a mass of sharp rock on the side of a mountain
Full Definition of SPUR
1
a : a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse b plural [from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood] : recognition and reward for achievement <won his academic spurs as the holder of a chair in a university — James Mountford>
2
: a goad to action : stimulus
3
: something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as a : a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine b (1) : a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect); especially : one on a cock's leg (2) : a gaff for a gamecock c : a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d : a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot) e : climbing iron
4
a : an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation; especially : a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range b : a railroad track that branches off from a main line
5
: a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification
— on the spur of the moment
: on impulse : suddenly
See spur defined for English-language learners
See spur defined for kids
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Origin of SPUR
Middle English spure, from Old English spura; akin to Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn
Related to SPUR
- Synonyms
- boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, impulse, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
- Antonyms
- counterincentive, disincentive
Synonym Discussion of SPUR
motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act <a motive for the crime>. impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution <buying on impulse>. incentive applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) inciting to action <a bonus was offered as an incentive>. inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another <offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe>. spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor <fear was a spur to action>. goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire <thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency>.
2spur
verb
: to encourage (someone) to do or achieve something
: to cause (something) to happen or to happen more quickly
: to urge (a horse) to go faster by pushing spurs into its sides
spurredspur·ring
Full Definition of SPUR
transitive verb
1
: to urge (a horse) on with spurs
2
: to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : stimulate
3
: to put spurs on
intransitive verb
: to spur one's horse on
See spur defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPUR
13th century
SPUR Defined for Kids
1spur
noun \ˈspər\
Definition of SPUR for Kids
1
: a pointed device fastened to the back of a rider's boot and used to urge a horse on
2
: something that makes a person want to do something : incentive
3
: a mass of jagged rock coming out from the side of a mountain
4
: a short section of railway track coming away from the main line
5
: a usually short pointed growth or projecting part (as a spine on the leg of a rooster)
— spurred \ˈspərd\ adjective
— on the spur of the moment
: without thinking for a long time <We decided to go on the spur of the moment.> Hint:Spur-of-the-moment is often used as an adjective. <a spur-of-the-moment decision>
2spur
verb
spurredspur·ring
Definition of SPUR for Kids
1
: to urge a horse on with spurs
2
: incite <A promised reward spurred them to work.>
Medical Dictionary
spur
noun \ˈspər\
Medical Definition of SPUR
: a sharp and especially bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot)
—spurred \ˈspərd\ adjective
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