spur

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
  2. noun any sharply pointed projection
  3. noun tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers

Etymology

From Middle English spure, spore, from Old English spora, spura, from Proto-West Germanic *spurō, from Proto-Germanic *spurô, from Proto-Indo-European *sperH- (“to kick”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

goad, goading, prod, prodding, urging, spurring

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