- 1a sharp pointed object that riders sometimes wear on the heels of their boots and use to encourage their horse to go faster He dug his spurs into the horse's sides.
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- 2[usually singular] spur (to something) a fact or an event that makes you want to do something better or more quickly His speech was a powerful spur to action. A few encouraging words might provide just the spur she needs.
- 3an area of high ground that sticks out from a mountain or hill
- 4a road or a railroad track that leads from the main road or line Idioms
suddenly, without planning in advance I phoned him up on the spur of the moment. a spur-of-the-moment decision
to achieve fame or success
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