Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROMPT, v.t.

1. To incite; to move or excite to action or exertion; to instigate. Insults prompt anger or revenge; love prompts desire; benevolence prompts men to devote their time and services to spread the Gospel. Ambition prompted Alexander to wish for more worlds to conquer.
2. To assist a speaker when at a loss, by pronouncing the words forgotten or next in order, as, to prompt an actor; or to assist a learner, by suggesting something forgotten or not understood. – Ascham. Shak. Bacon.
3. To dictate; to suggest to the mind. And whisp'ring angels prompt her golden dreams. – Pope.
4. To remind. [Not used.] – Brown.