spurring

spur

S0677100 (spûr)n.1. A short spike or spiked wheel that attaches to the heel of a rider's boot and is used to urge a horse forward.2. An incentive: a spur to action.3. A spurlike attachment or projection, as:a. A spinelike process on the leg of some birds.b. A climbing iron; a crampon.c. A gaff attached to the leg of a gamecock.d. A short or stunted branch of a tree.e. A bony outgrowth or protuberance.4. A lateral ridge projecting from a mountain or mountain range.5. An oblique reinforcing prop or stay of timber or masonry.6. Botany A tubular or saclike extension of the corolla or calyx of a flower, as in a columbine or larkspur.7. An ergot growing on rye.8. A spur track.v. spurred, spur·ring, spurs v.tr.1. To urge (a horse) on by the use of spurs.2. To incite or stimulate: "A business tax cut is needed to spur industrial investment" (New York Times).v.intr. To ride quickly by spurring a horse.

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[Middle English spure, from Old English spura; see sperə- in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

spurring - a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something; "the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves"goading, prod, prodding, spur, urging, goadencouragement - the expression of approval and support