prompt - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

A prompt is a cue that gives forgetful actors a hint for their next line, or students the topic of the essay they will write. It can also be the act of inspiring action, like your letter to the editor that prompts others to join your cause.

When you prompt someone, you might offer a reminder, some assistance, or even inspiration to do something. For example, honking your car's horn prompts your friend to get moving, or your standing up for a classmate that prompts a bully to change his ways. When you prompt someone, you expect action now. This sense of speediness is also found in the adjective form of prompt, as in the prompt response that is required to win a contest.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: prompt

1	adj	according to schedule or without delay; on time
2	v	give an incentive for action
3	v n	assist (somebody acting or reciting) by suggesting the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned a cue given to a performer (usually the beginning of the next line to be spoken)

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: prompt

1

adj according to schedule or without delay; on time

“the train is prompt”

Synonyms: punctual
acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed

adj performed with little or no delay

“a prompt reply”

Synonyms:: immediate, quick, straightaway

: fast
acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly

adj ready and willing or quick to act

“she is always prompt to help her friends”

Synonyms: ready
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

2

v give an incentive for action

Synonyms:: actuate, incite, motivate, move, propel

: affect, impress, move, strike
have an emotional or cognitive impact upon; move
arouse sympathy or compassion in

Type of:: cause, do, make
give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

v serve as the inciting cause of

“She prompted me to call my relatives”

Synonyms:: inspire, instigate

Type of:: cause, get, have, induce, make, stimulate
cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner

3

v assist (somebody acting or reciting) by suggesting the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned

Synonyms:: cue, remind

Type of:: inform
impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to

n a cue given to a performer (usually the beginning of the next line to be spoken)

Synonyms:: prompting

Type of:: cue
an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech

n (computer science) a symbol that appears on the computer screen to indicate that the computer is ready to receive a command

Synonyms:: command prompt

Type of:: electronic communication
communication by computer