spur

I UK [spɜː(r)] / US [spɜr] noun [countable]
Word forms "spur":
singular spur plural spurs
*

1)

a) a metal object on the heel of a rider's boot that the rider presses into a horse's side to make it go faster

b) a sharp curved part on the back of a bird's leg

2) something that encourages someone to do something

The news was a spur to the government to cut income tax.

3) a part of something such as a railway or an electrical circuit that goes in a different direction from the main part

4) a long thin piece of land

•

win/earn your spurs — to do something that proves your ability in a particular activity or situation and gives you a good reputation

- on the spur of the moment

II UK [spɜː(r)] / US [spɜr] verb [transitive]
Word forms "spur":
present tense I/you/we/they spur he/she/it spurs present participle spurring past tense spurred past participle spurred

1) spur or spur on to encourage someone to do something

The thought of failing my exams spurred me into action.

His comments spurred me on to success.

2) to cause something to happen

A surplus of oil has spurred a drop in prices.

3) to use spurs to make a horse go faster