prompt
prompt
/prɒmpt/
1 transitive to make somebody decide to do something; to cause something to happen prompt something The discovery of the bomb prompted an increase in security.
His speech prompted an angry outburst from a man in the crowd.
prompt somebody to do something The thought of her daughter's wedding day prompted her to lose some weight.
The accusation prompted the resignation of the education minister.
The discussion was prompted by a chance remark.
The earth tremors prompted worries of a second major earthquake.
The incident prompted a full-scale review of police procedures.
The news prompted speculation that prices will rise further.
What prompted you to choose this area?
2 transitive to encourage somebody to speak by asking them questions or suggesting words that they could say prompt somebody She was too nervous to speak and had to be prompted.
prompt somebody to do something (computing)
The program will prompt you to enter data where required.
prompt (somebody) + speech ‘And then what happened?’ he prompted.
3 transitive, intransitive prompt (somebody) to follow the text of a play and remind the actors what the words are if they forget their lines prompt
/prɒmpt/
1 done without delay
Prompt action was required as the fire spread.
Prompt payment of the invoice would be appreciated.
2 not before noun (of a person) acting without delay; arriving at the right time Please be prompt when attending these meetings.
prompt
/prɒmpt/
1 a word or words said to an actor, to remind them what to say next when they have forgotten
2 (computing) a sign on a computer screen that shows that the computer has finished doing something and is ready for more instructions
prompt
/prɒmpt/
exactly at the time mentioned
The meeting will begin at ten o'clock prompt.
Word Origin
Middle English (as a verb): based on Old French prompt or Latin promptus ‘brought to light’, also ‘prepared, ready’, past participle of promere ‘to produce’, from pro- ‘out, forth’ + emere ‘take’.