Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - prompt

~1 v 1 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 to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue  ("I can't decide...." said Beatrice. "Decide what?" prompted Marlon.) 4 to remind an actor or actress of the next words in a speech ~2 adj 1 done quickly, immediately, or at the right time  (prompt delivery of your purchases) 2 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 adv  (The performance begins promptly at nine o' clock.) - promptness n ~3 adv informal happening at the exact time  (We're meeting at . prompt, so don't be late.) ~4 n 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'.)