1. A sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward
   "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on";
   - gad
    
2. Anything that inspires, motivates or drives you to do something
   "The deadline served as a spur to complete the project";
   - goad, goading, prod, prodding, urging, spurring
    
3. Any sharply pointed projection
   "The spur on the plant's stem served as a defence against herbivores";
   - spine, acantha
    
4. Tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers
   "The long spur of the columbine flower contains nectar"
    
5. A railway line connected to a trunk line
   "The spur track provided service to the small town off the main railway";
   - branch line, spur track

1. Incite or stimulate
   "The Academy was formed to spur research"
    
2. Give heart or courage to
   "His success goaded her to work harder"; "The cheering crowd spurred the runners on"
    
3. Goad with spurs
   "the rider spurred his horse"
    
4. Strike with a spur
   "He spurred his horse to go faster"
    
5. Equip with spurs
   "spur horses"

Derived forms: spurs, spurring, spurred

Type of: advance, boost, enation, encourage, encouragement, equip, fit, fit out, further, goad, line, outfit, plant process, prod, projection, promote, rail line, railroad line [N. Amer], railway line [Brit, Cdn], strike

Part of: boot

Encyclopedia: Spur, Thomas