goad — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A long, pointed stick used to prod animals.

   Examples

   the daily goad urging him to the daily toil

2. That which goads or incites; a stimulus.

   Usage

   • Figurative

   Examples

   I might have been an unfortunate little bull in a Spanish arena, I got so smartingly touched up by these moral goads.

Verb

1. To prod with a goad.

2. To encourage or stimulate.

   Synonyms

   bieldemboldenhearten

3. To incite or provoke.

   Synonyms

   actuatespur

   Examples

   goading a boy to fight

Noun

1. a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion

   Synonyms

   prod

   Broader terms

   device

2. a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

   Synonyms

   goadingprodproddingurgingspurspurring

   Broader terms

   encouragement

   Examples

   the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves

Verb

1. give heart or courage to

   Synonyms

   spur

   Broader terms

   encourage

2. urge with or as if with a goad

   Broader terms

   prodinciteegg on

3. stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick

   Synonyms

   prick

   Broader terms

   stabjab

4. annoy or provoke, as by constant criticism

   Synonyms

   needle

   Broader terms

   harasshassleharrychivychivvychevychevvybesetplaguemolestprovoke

   Examples

   He needled her with his sarcastic remarks