v.
- cause or bring about.
▸
(prompt someone to/to do something)
cause someone to take a course of action.
- assist or encourage (a hesitating speaker).
▸supply a forgotten word or line to (an actor).
n.
- an act of prompting a hesitating speaker.
▸a word or phrase used in prompting an actor.
▸a prompter.
- Computing a word or symbol on a VDU screen to show that input is required.
- the time limit for the payment of an account, stated on a prompt note.
adj.
done or acting without delay.
▸arriving precisely at a prearranged time.
▸(of goods) for immediate delivery and payment.
adv.
Brit. exactly (with reference to a specified time).
Derivative
- prompting n.
- promptitude n.
- promptly adv.
- promptness n.
Etymology
ME (as v.): based on OFr. prompt or L. promptus ‘brought to light’, also ‘prepared, ready’, past part. of promere ‘to produce’, from pro- ‘out, forth’ + emere ‘take’.