spurred

Spurred is the past tense of the verb spur, meaning to urge a person or animal to move forward or to prompt action. It is also used as an adjective to describe something that is equipped with spurs or that has been stimulated or encouraged.

In equestrian contexts, spurred refers to both the physical device worn on a rider’s boot and the action of urging a horse with that device. A rider wearing spurred boots can be described as spurred, and a horse can be spurred to increase speed or effort.

Figuratively, spurred is commonly used to indicate motivation or inspiration. Phrases such as “spurred into action” or “spurred on by” describe events or conditions that prompt further activity, research, or change. The word often collocates with on, by, or into when conveying this sense.

Etymology and usage history: The term derives from the noun spur, the metal projection worn on a boot, and has a long history in English usage. The verb to spur has been used since Middle English to convey urging, prompting, or stimulating action, a sense that extends to both literal and figurative contexts.

See also: spur, spurring, spur-of-the-moment. Related concepts include motivation, incentive, and encouragement, all of which describe forces that spur action or progress.