prod

¹

[prod]

verb (used with object)

prodded, prodding 

1. to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed.

   I prodded him with my elbow.

2. to rouse or incite as if by poking; nag; goad.

   Synonyms: excite, prompt, stir, impel

noun

1. the act of prodding; a poke or jab.

2. any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, especially an electrified rod that administers a mild shock.

   a cattle prod.

Prod

²

[prod]

noun

Chiefly Ulster Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a Protestant, especially an Anglo-Irish Protestant.

prod.

³

abbreviation

1. produce.

2. produced.

3. producer.

4. product.

5. production.

prod

¹

/ prɒd /

verb

1. to poke or jab with or as if with a pointed object

2. (tr) to rouse or urge to action

noun

1. the act or an instance of prodding

2. a sharp or pointed object

3. a stimulus or reminder

prod.

²

abbreviation

1. produce

2. produced

3. product

Prod

³

/ prɒd /

noun

1. derogatory,  another word for Protestant

Other Word Forms

• prodder noun
• unprodded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prod¹

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Origin of prod²

By shortening; d probably reflects the voicing or flap characteristic of some Ulster accents

Word History and Origins

Origin of prod¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

They lost everything but each other, and for Daisy’s sake, as much as his own, he has pushed and prodded, eager to get home.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She says she confronted Bietz and his daughter after she saw him leaning over the sea lion and prodding it with a knife.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After working for several years as a federal public defender, she decided to run for judge at the prodding of a mentor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The final straw came when a cleaner was filmed restraining the elderly man and violently shaking the bed frame before prodding him with a walking stick.

Read more on BBC

Instead, we are prodded to examine a tarot card, peer into the scrying mirror and ask questions to our spirit board.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• goad 
• motivate 
• prompt 
• propel 
• provoke 
• remind 
• spur 
• stimulate