espolear

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Translating...
spur on, prod with spurs, spur, stimulate, prod
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/espoleˈaɾ/
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To urge a horse forward or push someone into action.
Practice using espolear in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • El jinete espoleó al caballo para cruzar el río.
    The rider spurred the horse to cross the river.
  • La amazona espoleaba al caballo en la recta.
    The rider spurred the horse along the straight.
  • La crítica espoleó al pintor a revisar la obra.
    The criticism spurred the painter to revise the work.
  • Su curiosidad la espoleó a investigar.
    Her curiosity spurred her to investigate.
  • El vaquero espoleó su montura cuesta arriba.
    The cowboy spurred his mount uphill.

Similar words

picar
impulsar
aguijonear
arrear
incitar
estimular
acuciar

Meanings

Urge a horse on

verb
horseriding
technical
Prod a riding animal with spurs to make it move or obey.

Examples

  • El jinete espoleó al caballo para cruzar el río.
    The rider spurred the horse to cross the river.
  • No quiso espolear a la yegua exhausta.
    He did not want to spur the exhausted mare.
  • El vaquero espoleó su montura cuesta arriba.
    The cowboy spurred his mount uphill.
  • La amazona espoleaba al caballo en la recta.
    The rider spurred the horse along the straight.
  • Le pidieron que no espoleara al animal herido.
    They asked him not to spur the injured animal.

Similar words

picar
arrear
aguijonear

Drive someone to act

verb
motivation
formal
Stimulate a person or activity, often through pressure or a challenge.

Examples

  • La derrota espoleó al equipo a entrenar más.
    The defeat spurred the team to train harder.
  • Su curiosidad la espoleó a investigar.
    Her curiosity spurred her to investigate.
  • El plazo espoleó a los científicos.
    The deadline spurred the scientists on.
  • La crítica espoleó al pintor a revisar la obra.
    The criticism spurred the painter to revise the work.
  • La competencia espoleó la innovación.
    Competition spurred innovation.

Similar words

estimular
incitar
impulsar
acuciar

Etymology

Formed from espuela, the Spanish word for a riding spur.

FAQ

What does espolear mean?

To spur a horse or motivate someone.

What is its literal use?

A rider urges a horse with spurs.

Can a setback espolear someone?

Yes, it can drive them to act.

What is the past participle?

Espoleado.

Where does the word come from?

From espuela, “spur”.

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