spur

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : pièce métallique fixée au talon du cavalier pour piquer le cheval ; saillie pointue ; éperon ou tube d'une fleur ; voie ferrée secondaire en cul-de-sac ; ou ce qui incite à agir.

A noun with multiple meanings: a device worn on a rider's heel to urge a horse forward; a sharp projection; a tubular part of a flower; a railway branch line; or something that encourages action.

1. Encouragement or motivationB2formal

   Something that encourages or prompts action or effort.

   Encouragement ou motivation

   • The promise of a bonus was a spur to work harder.
   • Her inspiring speech acted as a spur for the team.
   • The competition provided a spur for innovation.

   Synonymesboostencouragementgoadimpetusincentiveinducementmotivationprodstimulus

   Antonymesdeterrentdiscouragementdisincentive

2. Sharp projectionB1formal

   A sharp, pointed object that sticks out from a surface.

   Poinçon / Éperon

   • The cactus has sharp spurs on its stem.
   • He cut his hand on a metal spur protruding from the fence.
   • The mountain's rocky spur jutted out over the valley.

   Synonymesbarbneedlepointprickleprongspikespinethorn

3. Botanical spurC1formal

   A tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers, often containing nectar.

   Éperon (botanique)

   • The columbine flower has a long, curved spur.
   • Bees are attracted to the nectar in the flower's spur.
   • The orchid's spur is an adaptation for pollination.

4. Rider's spurB1formal

   A sharp metal device attached to a rider's heel, used to urge a horse forward.

   Éperon (équitation)

   • The cowboy gently touched his horse with the spur.
   • He wore silver spurs on his boots for the parade.
   • The rider used the spur to signal the horse to gallop.

   Synonymesgoad

5. Railway spurB2formal

   A short railway line that connects to a main line, often serving a specific area.

   Embranchement ferroviaire

   • The factory was built along a railway spur for easy transport.
   • A new spur line was constructed to serve the industrial park.
   • The train diverted onto the spur to deliver supplies.

   Synonymesbranchbranch linesidetracksiding

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'encourager ou de stimuler quelqu'un ou quelque chose à agir plus vite ou à se mettre en mouvement, ou encore de provoquer une réaction.

A verb used to indicate the act of encouraging or stimulating someone or something to move faster or take action.

1. Incite or stimulateB2formal

   To encourage someone to take action or to make something happen more quickly.

   inciter, stimuler

   • The promise of a bonus spurred the team to work harder.
   • Her inspiring speech spurred the audience into action.
   • The new policy spurred economic growth in the region.

   Synonymesdriveencouragegalvanizeimpelincitemotivateprodpromptstimulateurge

   Antonymescurbdeterdiscouragedissuadeinhibit

2. Give heart or courage toB2formal

   To encourage or motivate someone to do something, especially something difficult.

   encourager

   • His words of encouragement spurred her to continue the race.
   • The coach spurred the players on with a passionate speech.
   • The support of her family spurred her to pursue her dreams.

   Synonymesemboldenencouragegalvanizeinspiremotivatepromptstimulateurge

   Antonymesdemoralizedeterdiscouragedisheartendispirit

3. Strike with a spurC1formal

   To use a sharp device attached to a rider's heel to urge a horse forward.

   Éperonner

   • The knight spurred his horse into a gallop.
   • She gently spurred the horse to move faster.
   • He spurred the animal to jump over the fence.

   Synonymesgoadprickprod

4. Goad with spursC1formal

   To repeatedly urge or push someone or something forward, often in a forceful way.

   Piquer des éperons

   • The rider spurred the horse relentlessly during the race.
   • He spurred the mule to climb the steep hill.
   • The jockey spurred his mount to the finish line.

   Synonymesdrivegoadprickprodurge

   Antonymesdeterdiscouragedissuaderestrain

5. Equip with spursC2formal

   To provide a horse rider with spurs, or to attach spurs to boots.

   équiper d'éperons

   • The stable hand spurred the rider's boots before the competition.
   • He spurred himself properly before mounting the horse.
   • The cowboy spurred his boots and prepared for the long ride.