GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

spur

verb

/spɜr/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of spur

To stimulate, encourage, or incite someone or something to take action or to move forward.
"A single success can spur a lifetime of creativity."

Detailed meaning of spur

It entails providing motivation, inspiration, or a sense of urgency to prompt or propel a person or entity into action. When something spurs, it acts as a catalyst or a driving force, urging progress, development, or change. Spurring can involve various means, such as offering incentives, providing encouragement, presenting opportunities, or instilling a sense of competition. It serves to ignite or enhance motivation, pushing individuals or organizations to overcome obstacles, reach goals, or achieve desired outcomes. The act of spurring can bring about a surge of energy, determination, or renewed focus, stirring individuals or entities into decisive action. It acts as a metaphorical spur, analogous to the physical tool used to prompt a horse to move faster.

Example sentences containing spur

1. Government incentives spur economic growth in underdeveloped areas.
2. Her motivational speech will spur the team into action.
3. The rewards program is designed to spur customer loyalty.
4. The lack of resources might spur innovation among the engineers.
5. New discoveries in science often spur technological advancements.
6. Positive reinforcement can spur children to improve their behavior.

History and etymology of spur

The verb 'spur' has a rich etymology rooted in Old English and Middle English. It derives from the Old English word 'spurian,' which meant 'to urge on' or 'to spur,' akin to the Proto-Germanic term 'spurōną.' In its early usage, 'spur' was often associated with the use of a pointed device, such as a spur attached to a rider's boot, to prompt a horse to move forward more rapidly. Over time, the word 'spur' evolved to encompass a broader sense of stimulating, encouraging, or inciting someone or something to take action or to move forward, metaphorically invoking the concept of prodding or motivating, much like one might do with a physical spur. This etymological connection highlights the idea that 'spurring' serves as a figurative impetus, driving individuals or processes forward with energy and motivation.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb spur:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of spur

1. Competitions spur athletes to perform at their highest levels.
2. International partnerships spur global understanding and cooperation.
3. Stories of triumph spur individuals to overcome their own challenges.
4. They hope that lowering taxes will spur small business development.
5. The manager hopes that flexible working hours will spur productivity among the employees.
6. Her success story will spur others to pursue their dreams.
7. A challenge can spur innovation and creativity.
8. The coach's motivational speech will spur the team to victory.
9. Economic growth can spur job creation and investment.
10. A good teacher can spur a lifelong love of learning.
11. Their support will spur me to achieve my goals.
12. A sense of urgency can spur quick decision-making.
13. Competition can spur companies to improve their products.
14. His dedication to fitness will spur others to get healthy.
15. A great leader can spur a team to achieve greatness.
16. Adversity can spur resilience and personal growth.
17. Recognition can spur employees to excel at work.
18. The promise of adventure will spur their wanderlust.
19. Fear can spur the fight-or-flight response.
20. Public outcry can spur policymakers to take action.
21. A deadline can spur productivity and focus.
22. Curiosity can spur exploration and discovery.
23. Music can spur emotions and memories.
24. A mentor can spur personal and professional development.
25. Kindness can spur a chain reaction of goodwill.