prompt / prämpt/ • v. [tr.] 1. (of an event or fact) cause or bring about (an action or feeling): his death has prompted an industry-wide investigation of safety violations. ∎  cause (someone) to take a course of action: a demonstration by 20,000 people prompted the government to step up security.2. assist or encourage (a hesitating speaker) to say something: [with direct speech] “And the picture?” he prompted. ∎  supply a forgotten word or line to (an actor) during the performance of a play. ∎  Comput. (of a computer) request input from (a user).• n. 1. an act of assisting or encouraging a hesitating speaker: with barely a prompt, Barbara talked on. ∎  the word or phrase spoken as a reminder to an actor of a forgotten word or line. ∎  Comput. a message or symbol on a monitor to show that the system is waiting for input. ∎ another term for prompter.2. the time limit for the payment of an account, as stated on a prompt note.• adj. done without delay; immediate: the owner would have died but for the prompt action of two paramedics. ∎  (of a person) acting without delay: the fans were prompt and courteous in complying with police requests. ∎  (of goods) for immediate delivery and payment.DERIVATIVES: promp·ti·tude / ˈprämptəˌt(y)oōd/ n.prompt·ly adv.prompt·ness n.

prompt A change to the contents of a computer display to indicate that input is required from the operator. See also acknowledgment, echoing, feedback.

prompt ready or quick to act. XV. — (O)F. prompt or L. promptus brought forth, manifest, ready, disposed, pp. of prōmere bring forth, f. PRO-1 + emere take.
So prompt vb. incite to action XIV; assist (a speaker) by suggesting what is to be said XV; suggest, inspire XVII. perh. — medL. *promptāre. Hence prompter XV (theatr. XVII).