spur
Translation
to spur, to encourage, to stimulate, to prompt
Examples
The reward spurred him to work harder.
The reward spurred him to work harder.
The crisis spurred innovation in technology.
The crisis spurred innovation in technology.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to do sth. to encourage (sb.) to do (sth.) The reward spurred him to work harder.
((sth.)) to cause (sth.) to happen or develop faster The crisis spurred innovation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: encourage, stimulate, prompt, incite; Antonyms: deter, discourage
Etymology
From Old English 'spura', a pointed device used to urge a horse forward.
Memory Tips
Picture a rider's spur 'spurring' a horse to go faster, which metaphorically 'spurs' or encourages any action.