1. 促使；推動；引起
    To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it.

    e.g. Japan's recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars...
           日本經(jīng)濟的不景氣使得消費者在購買車輛上減少了開支。
    e.g. The need for villagers to control their own destinies has prompted a new plan.
           村民們想要掌握自己的命運，這促成了一項新的計劃。

2. 鼓勵，提示（說話者）；給（演員）提詞
    If you prompt someone when they stop speaking, you encourage or help them to continue. If you prompt an actor, you tell them what their next line is when they have forgotten what comes next.

    e.g. 'Go on,' the therapist prompted him...
           “接著說，”醫(yī)生鼓勵他道。
    e.g. How exactly did he prompt her, Mr Markham?
           確切地說，他是怎樣提示她的，馬卡姆先生？

3. 迅速的；即刻的；立即的；及時的
    A prompt action is done without any delay.

prompt

    e.g. It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.
           現(xiàn)在還不算晚，但是需要立即采取行動。
    e.g. ...an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment.
           需要立即治療的眼球炎癥

4. 敏捷的；迅速的；及時的
    If you are prompt to do something, you do it without delay or you are not late.

    e.g. You have been so prompt in carrying out all these commissions...
           你執(zhí)行所有這些命令可真夠迅速的。
    e.g. We didn't worry because they were always so prompt with their rental payment.
           我們不擔(dān)心，因為他們交租金總是非常及時。