the act of prodding; a poke or jab.
any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, especially an electrified rod that administers a mild shock.
a cattle prod.
produce.
produced.
producer.
product.
production.
to poke or jab with or as if with a pointed object
(tr) to rouse or urge to action
the act or an instance of prodding
a sharp or pointed object
a stimulus or reminder
produce
produced
product
First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain
By shortening; d probably reflects the voicing or flap characteristic of some Ulster accents
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.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prod him a bit after the Wizards’ second 35-47 season in a row.
From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2023
In 1946, flush with the success of “The Pursuit of Love,” Mitford moved to Paris, only to discover that Palewski was as much a philanderer as Prod.
From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2019
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 'em where they live and they'll do anything.
From Brown John's Body by Marks, Winston K.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
