goad

American  

[gohd] / goʊd /

noun

1. a stick with a pointed or electrically charged end, for driving cattle, oxen, etc.; prod.

2. anything that pricks or wounds like such a stick.

3. something that encourages, urges, or drives; a stimulus.

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verb (used with object)

1. to prick or drive with, or as if with, a goad; prod; incite.

   Synonyms:

   impel, push, spur

goad British  

/ ɡəʊd /

noun

1. a sharp pointed stick for urging on cattle, etc

2. anything that acts as a spur or incitement

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verb

1. (tr) to drive with or as if with a goad; spur; incite

Other Word Forms

• goadlike adjective
• ungoaded adjective

Etymology

Origin of goad

before 900; Middle English gode, Old English gād; compare Langobardic gaida spearhead

Example Sentences

However, “markets typically test those levels to goad the MOF into action,” the analyst adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rather than respond directly to the company, Muddy Waters took to X, where it posted a meme goading SoFi to “run that game.”

From Barron's

The five-dollar bill crumpled in the bottom of my pocket taunted me, goading me to get my photograph taken like Ba and Auntie Matchmaker wanted.

From Literature

And the message-board-born concept of a “lolcow,” a gullible user who can be goaded into making a fool of themselves on a regular basis, definitely predated the music video.

From Salon

Pollock is known for goading the opposition and extravagant try-scoring celebrations.

From BBC

Related Words

• coerce
• harass
• hound
• prod
• provoke
• tease