What does SPURS mean?

Spurs

Parts of Speech: noun, verb

Definitions:

• Noun: a small pointed object that is attached to a riders boots and used to urge a horse forward; a thing that prompts or encourages someone; a projecting ridge on a mountain or hillside.
• Verb: to urge (a horse) forward by digging ones spurs into its sides; to prompt or encourage (someone) to do something.

Pronunciations:

• US: /spɜrz/
• UK: /spʌz/

Origin and Usage:

The word "spurs" originated from the Old English word "spura" which means "spur, prick, goad". It has been used since the 13th century to refer to the small pointed object attached to a riders boots. The verb form of "spurs" has been used since the 16th century to mean "to urge a horse forward". The figurative sense of "spurs" meaning "to prompt or encourage someone" has been used since the 17th century.

Synonyms:

• Encouragement
• Incentive
• Motivation
• Impetus
• Stimulus

Related Words:

• Spout
• Spurn
• Spume
• Spree
• Spode

Example Sentences:

• He dug his spurs into the horses sides to urge it forward.
• The promise of a bonus spurred the employees to work harder.
• The spurs on the mountain made it difficult to climb.
• She felt a spur of excitement as she approached the finish line.