noun / verb
spur
SPUR/spɜːr/
A pointed projection used at the heel to urge a horse forward.
A pointed spur projects from the rider's boot heel.
Etymology
A spur was a spike worn on the heel to urge a horse onward. Its function became the figurative meaning: anything that pushes someone toward action or greater effort.
In context
She had a vague intention of some day divorcing Vincent, but she was never capable of action without some spur. There wasn’t any cause now. She was rid of him, and she had her money again.
More examples
- He checks the strap that holds his left spur in place.
- She spurred her horse forward to catch up with the group.
- The instructor warns against spurring the horse too hard.
Forms
spur · spurs · spurred · spurring
Similar words
- goad
- A pointed stick for driving animals, rather than a heel device.