prod — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To poke, to push, to touch.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

2. To encourage, to prompt.

   Usage

   • Informal
   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Some of the most beautiful and thus appealing physical theories, including quantum electrodynamics and quantum gravity, have been dogged for decades by infinities that erupt when theorists try to prod their calculations into new domains. Getting rid of these nagging infinities has probably occupied far more effort than was spent in originating the theories.

3. To prick with a goad.

   Usage

   • Transitive

Noun

1. A device (now often electrical) used to goad livestock into moving.

2. A prick or stab with such a pointed instrument.

3. A poke.

   Examples

   "It's your turn," she reminded me, giving me a prod on the shoulder.

4. A light kind of crossbow; a prodd.

   Examples

   The 125-pound prod (bow) drives bolt at 250 feet per second.

Noun

1. A production; a created work.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Slang

   Examples

   Check our BBS for the latest prods.

Noun

1. a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

   Synonyms

   goadgoadingproddingurgingspurspurring

   Broader terms

   encouragement

   Examples

   the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves

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

   Synonyms

   goad

   Broader terms

   device

Verb

1. to push against gently

   Synonyms

   nudgepoke at

   Broader terms

   pushforce

   Examples

   She nudged my elbow when she saw her friend enter the restaurant

2. urge on; cause to act

   Synonyms

   inciteegg on

   Broader terms

   inducestimulatecausehavegetmake

   Examples

   The other children egged the boy on, but he did not want to throw the stone through the window

3. poke or thrust abruptly

   Synonyms

   jabstabpokedig

   Broader terms

   thrust

   Examples

   he jabbed his finger into her ribs