Pronunciation: /spɜːr/
noun a device with a small spike or pointed object attached to the heel of a rider's boot, used to urge a horse forward
A1 The cowboy used a spur to make his horse go faster.
A2 A little competition can be a good spur to improve your skills.
B1 The economic downturn acted as a spur for companies to innovate.
B2 The new government policy provided a spur for renewable energy development.
C1 The desire for success can be a powerful spur for individuals to push themselves to achieve their goals.
C2 The recognition of her talent by a prestigious organization served as a spur for her to continue pursuing her passion.
verb to urge or encourage someone to do something
A1 The coach used a whistle to spur the players on during the game.
A2 The promise of a promotion can spur employees to work harder.
B1 A new law was introduced to spur economic growth in the region.
B2 The success of her first novel spurred her to write more books.
C1 The inspiring speech by the president spurred the nation to come together in unity.
C2 The challenge of climbing Mount Everest spurred him to train harder than ever before.
formal The new tax incentives were designed to spur economic growth in the region.
informal Let's go for a hike and see if we can find any spurs along the trail.
slang I heard that concert really spurs up the crowd.
figurative His words of encouragement were the spur she needed to pursue her dreams.
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