prompt

1 verb

1 (T) to make someone decide to do something, especially something that they had been thinking of doing: prompt sb to do sth: Her situation prompted me to do something about getting a new job.

2 to make people say or do something as a reaction: What prompted that remark?

3 (T) to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue: “I can't decide....” said Beatrice. “Decide what?” prompted Marlon.

4 (I, T) to remind an actor or actress of the next words in a speech

2 adjective

1 done quickly, immediately, or at the right time: prompt delivery of your purchases

2 (not before noun) someone who is prompt arrives at the right time or does something on time: Lunch is at two. Try to be prompt. | Grandma is always prompt in answering letters.

— promptly adverb: The performance begins promptly at nine o' clock. — promptness noun (U) 3 adverb informal happening at the exact time: We're meeting at . prompt, so don't be late. 4 noun (C)

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: When you see the `C' prompt type `WP'.