spurred

[spurd] / spɜrd /

VERB

incite, prompt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arouse drive propel push spark stimulate stir trigger

STRONG

animate awaken countenance exhort favor goad goose impel instigate press prick prod rally rouse sic urge

WEAK

egg on fire up key up put up to turn on work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm check discourage dissuade halt repress stop

STRONG

deaden

WEAK

disapprove

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Researchers spend "days, weeks, in some cases months" in the dense forestry of North America, says Lewis, "with many spurred on by childhood encounters or brought into the pursuit by someone close to them".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Rheinmetall's business has boomed since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine spurred a re-armament drive in Europe.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

His marriage to Mr. Lemann’s mother survived a “great crisis” spurred by her confinement to a psychiatric institute and an affair with one of the doctors there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The decision to relocate spurred a shift in his practice from painting to sculpture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

He spurred the horse and began to canter toward the lights on the Cashtown Road.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara