spur

spur

noun

Definition of SPUR

1

something that arouses action or activity <the threat of losing its only sports franchise was the spur the city council needed to finally do something about the rising crime rate>

Synonyms boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

Related Words inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

Antonyms counterincentive, disincentive

2

a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else <a weak wall that might need a spur>

Synonyms brace, buttress, mount, mounting, prop, reinforcement, shore, spur, stay, underpinning

Related Words shoring; column, pedestal, pilaster, pillar; arch, bolster, bracket, cantilever, girder; bearing; crutch, peg, post, stake, stanchion, stand, stilt, strut, truss; base, foundation, frame