spur

[spɜːr]

spur Definition

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

Synonyms for spur

• stimulus
• encouragement
• motivation
• impetus
• boost

Antonyms for spur

• deterrent
• discouragement

Phrases with spur

• on the spur of the moment

  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.

• under the spur of

  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.