spurred

Prompted into action

Spurred means urged or driven forward, from the literal act of digging spurs into a horse's sides to make it move faster.

The word almost always appears figuratively: Spurred by rising costs, the company cut staff.

What does the spurring is typically a motive, event, or emotion: spurred by curiosity, spurred into action.

As an adjective, spurred describes something equipped with spurs: spurred boots, spurred heels.

prompted

triggered

Caused to activate

initiatedStarted or inducted
instigatedCaused to begin
precipitatedCaused suddenly to occur

induced · sparked · ignited · activated · catalyzed · provoked · incited · elicited · stimulated · aroused

urged

goaded

Incited to action

proddedPoked or urged
nudgedPushed gently to prompt
pushedApplied pressure to move

pressed · coaxed · encouraged · prompted · impelled · driven · pressured · egged on · exhorted · cajoled

motivated

driven

Intensely determined to achieve

propelledCaused to move forward
impelledUrged or driven forward
galvanizedStimulated into sudden activity

energized · inspired · ambition · determination · zeal · initiative · passion · enthusiasm · resolve · commitment

equestrian

rowel

Spiked wheel on spur

stirrupMounted rider's foot support
saddleMounted rider's seat
horsebackAtop a steed

gallop · trot · canter · bridle · reins · riding · jockey · dressage · horsemanship · mount

Categories

flower formsbell-shaped, cup-shaped, funnel-shaped, trumpet-shaped, star-shaped
plant traitsthorny, spiny, evergreen, deciduous, flowering
influencedinspired, persuaded, motivated, swayed, affected

Opposites

motivation/incitement

spurreddiscouraged

Having lost confidence or enthusiasm

deterred · stopped · halted · dissuaded · hindered

Family

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G