spur
spur Lexical Profile
spur Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To give an incentive or encouragement to someone, or to promote the development and progress of something.
"The government hopes the new tax cuts will spur economic growth over the next quarter."
To urge a horse forward by digging one's spurs into its sides.
"She spurred her horse to a gallop as they approached the final stretch of the trail."
• noun
A thing that prompts or encourages someone to action; an incentive or stimulus.
"The potential for a lucrative bonus acted as a spur for the entire sales team."
A U-shaped device with a small spike or spiked wheel that is worn on a rider's heel and used for urging a horse forward.
"The cowboy adjusted the silver spur on his boot before mounting the wild stallion."
A lateral ridge projecting from a mountain or mountain range, or a short branch extending from a main railway line or road.
"The hikers followed a narrow rock spur that branched off from the main ridge of the mountain."
• Rhymes for spur
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'spura' or 'spora', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'spoor' and German 'Sporn', sharing an ancient root with the word 'spurn'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.