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spur

[spɜːr]

spur Definition

  • 1a device with a small spike or a spiked wheel that is worn on a rider's heel and used for urging a horse forward
  • 2a thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive
  • 3a projection from a mountain or hillside
  • 4a short, upward-angled branch on a tree

Using spur: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spur" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He urged his horse on with a sharp spur.

  • Example

    The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to their productivity.

  • Example

    The spurs on the mountain were visible from miles away.

  • Example

    The apple tree had several spurs growing from its branches.

spur Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with spur

  • done impulsively or without planning

    Example

    I decided to take a trip to the beach on the spur of the moment.

  • win one's spurs

    to prove oneself worthy of recognition or honor

    Example

    She won her spurs as a journalist by reporting from war zones around the world.

  • prompted or motivated by something

    Example

    Under the spur of hunger, he ate the entire pizza by himself.

Origins of spur

from Old English 'spura', meaning 'spike'

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Summary: spur in Brief

The term 'spur' [spɜːr] refers to a device worn on a rider's heel to urge a horse forward, or anything that prompts or encourages someone. It can also refer to a projection from a mountain or hillside or a short, upward-angled branch on a tree. Examples include 'He urged his horse on with a sharp spur' and 'The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to their productivity.' Phrases include 'on the spur of the moment,' meaning impulsively, and 'win one's spurs,' meaning to prove oneself worthy of recognition.