prompt

[[t]prɒ̱mpt[/t]]

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prompts, prompting, prompted

1) VERB To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it.

[V n to-inf] Japan's recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars...

[V n] The need for villagers to control their own destinies has prompted a new plan.

2) VERB If you prompt someone when they stop speaking, you encourage or help them to continue. If you prompt an actor, you tell them what their next line is when they have forgotten what comes next.

[V with quote] `You wouldn't have wanted to bring those people to justice anyway, would you?' Brand prompted him...

[V n] How exactly did he prompt her, Mr Markham?.

N-COUNT

Prompt is also a noun.

Her blushes were saved by a prompt from one of her hosts.

3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A prompt action is done without any delay.

It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.

...an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment.

4) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ If you are prompt to do something, you do it without delay or you are not late.

You have been so prompt in carrying out all these commissions...

We didn't worry because they were always so prompt with their rental payment.