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spur

spur

 
 
pronunciation:
spuhr
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
on the spur of the moment
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a device attached to a rider's boot heel that has a spike or toothed wheel and is used to urge the horse forward.
The rider dug his spurs into the horse's sides.
definition 2: anything that prods or incites to action or to greater effort or speed.
synonyms:
cue, goad, impetus, prod, prompt
antonyms:
curb, discouragement, restraint
similar words:
stimulant
definition 3: a pointed or projecting growth or formation, as on the legs of some birds such as roosters, or on human bone as a result of injury.
definition 4: a short section of railroad track that joins a main line.
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phrase: on the spur of the moment
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: spurs, spurring, spurred
definition 1: to urge (a horse) to start or go faster by using spurs.
synonyms:
rowel
similar words:
drive, press, race, speed
definition 2: to urge or incite to act, to make a greater effort, or to go faster (often fol. by "on").
She might have given up trying to pass the exam, but her tutor's encouragement spurred her on.The incident spurred the government to enact a new law.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
synonyms:
egg, goad, prick, prod
antonyms:
curb, discourage, restrain
similar words:
actuate, drive, incite, lash, needle, press, prompt, provoke, rouse, stimulate, whip up
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to use spurs to urge a horse to start or go faster.
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