(of an event or fact) cause or bring about (an action or feeling)

the violence prompted a wave of refugees to flee the country

his death has prompted an industry-wide investigation of safety violations

encourage (a hesitating speaker) to say something

‘And the picture?’ he prompted

(of a computer) request input from (a user)

the online form prompts users for data

an act of encouraging a hesitating speaker

with barely a prompt, Barbara talked on

a word or symbol on a screen to show that the system is waiting for input

the time limit for the payment of an account, stated on a prompt note

done without delay; immediate

she would have died but for the prompt action of two ambulancemen

exactly (with reference to a specified time)

I set off at three-thirty prompt