■ verb
1》 cause or bring about.
↘( ~ someone to/to do something ) cause someone to take a course of action.
2》 assist or encourage (a hesitating speaker).
↘supply a forgotten word or line to (an actor).
■ noun
1》 an act of ~ing a hesitating speaker.
↘a word or phrase used in ~ing an actor.
↘a ~er.
2》 Computing a word or symbol on a VDU screen to show that input is required.
3》 the time limit for the payment of an account, stated on a ~ note.
■ adjective done or acting without delay.
↘arriving precisely at a prearranged time.
↘(of goods) for immediate delivery and payment.
■ adverb Brit. exactly (with reference to a specified time).
Derivatives
~ing noun
~itude noun
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME (as v.): based on OFr. ~ or L. ~us 'brought to light', also 'prepared, ready', past participle of promere 'to produce', from pro- 'out, forth' + emere 'take'.