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• prod
  prod

  verb (used with object)

  to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed.
• Prod
  Prod

  noun

  a Protestant, especially an Anglo-Irish Protestant.
• prod.
  prod.

  abbreviation

  produce.

prod

¹ American  

[prod] / prɒd /

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

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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 American  

[prod] / prɒd /

noun

Chiefly Ulster Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

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

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prod. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. produce.

2. produced.

3. producer.

4. product.

5. production.

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prod ¹ British  

/ prɒd /

verb

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

2. (tr) to rouse or urge to action

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noun

1. the act or an instance of prodding

2. a sharp or pointed object

3. a stimulus or reminder

prod. ² British  

abbreviation

1. produce

2. produced

3. product

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Prod ³ British  

/ prɒd /

noun

1. derogatory another word for Protestant

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Other Word Forms

• prodder
  noun
• unprodded
  adjective

Etymology

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

Explanation

A teacher might use a verbal prod when students aren't participating in class. A prod is an encouragement, like the threat of a quiz. Just hope the teacher doesn't use the kind of prod a rancher uses to keep cattle moving! Prod can also be a verb that refers to a soft poke or a nudge, like when you prod someone in the ribs with your finger. It can also describe verbal encouragement that's used when you want something or want to know something. For example, you might prod your sister into helping you do your math homework.

Example Sentences

Prod them with your fork, though, and under the crust you’ll find an herbed mash of chickpeas and hearts of palm.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Prod a little deeper, and a fuller picture emerges, one where the four-legged family member calls the decorating shots.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2018

Prod most bosses of quoted companies and you’ll hear similar grumbles.

From The Guardian • Aug. 8, 2018

Prod the kids outside, give them hot chocolate and gaze toward the moon in the east.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2017

"Prod at him with a broom handle, Mrs. Beale," said Ukridge.

From Love Among the Chickens by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

Related Words

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