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

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

The worldwide moral reckoning spurred many nations, including the United States, to adopt new laws which offer protection to those fleeing persecution.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

I never got to stay for very long before I was unceremoniously tossed out, of course; but every small victory spurred me on to achieve another, and then another.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken