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

The rise of agentic AI and the push into enterprise AI applications have spurred demand for data-center CPUs to the point of interrupting some supply for consumer electronics.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Risk sentiment spurred gains in chip stocks, which have been tied to the artificial-intelligence boom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred its focus on developing robot submarines and fighter jets, with a wary eye on China's naval build-up in the Indo-Pacific.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The Gryffindor team was losing concentration and the Slytherins, delighted by Malfoy’s foul on Harry, were being spurred on to greater heights.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling