prompt

prompt   -   verb

1 [transitive] to make someone decide to do something

prompt somebody to do something

What prompted you to buy that suit?

2 [transitive] to make people say or do something as a reaction:

The decision prompted an outcry among prominent US campaigners.

3 [transitive] to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue:

'I can't decide.' said Beatrice. 'Decide what?' prompted Marlon.

4 [transitive] to ask someone to do something on a computer:

A message will appear which will prompt you for certain information.

5 [intransitive and transitive] to remind an actor of the next words in a speech

prompt  -  adjective

1 done quickly, immediately, or at the right time:

Prompt action must be taken.

Prompt payment is requested.

a prompt response

2 [not before noun] someone who is prompt arrives or does something at the right time and is not late:

Lunch is at two. Try to be prompt.

—promptness noun [uncountable]

prompt  -  noun  [countable]

1 a word or words said to an actor in a play, to help them remember what to say

2 a sign on a computer screen which shows that the computer has finished one operation and is ready to begin the next

prompt‧er [countable]

someone who tells actors in a play what words to say when they forget

prompt  -  adverb  British English informal

at the time mentioned and no later [= sharp American English]

The bus will leave at 8 o'clock prompt.

WORD FOCUS: fast 
moving very quickly: at high speed, like lightning, at top speed, flat out
doing something quickly: quick, rapid, swift, prompt, speedy
happening quickly: rapid, speedy, meteoric, at an alarming rate, in no time

➔ See also fast