goad

[ gohd ]

/ goʊd /

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See synonyms for: goad / goaded / goading on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

anything that pricks or wounds like such a stick.

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

verb (used with object)

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

OTHER WORDS FOR goad

4 spur, push, impel.

See synonyms for goad on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of goad

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

OTHER WORDS FROM goad

goadlike, adjectiveun·goad·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use goad in a sentence

It was a text message from a friend—which I had goaded him into sending from across the table purely to delight and amaze.
The Smartwatch Revolution, or How the Pebble Changed My Life|Brian Ries|March 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He wisely refused to be goaded into an unnecessary Middle East war.
Carter in Oscarland: The Rehabilitation of the 39th President|Douglas Brinkley|February 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Bill Clinton sanctioned Pakistan for testing the bomb after India goaded it into doing so.
Marc Grossman Inherits the Worst Job in the World|Bruce Riedel|February 15, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Jessi flirted with Barrett, whom she goaded into humiliating Montgomery at work and online.
Web's Killer Love Triangle|Larry Getlen|March 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST

What matters is that the world must not be goaded into falling into the trap he is setting for us.
The Skunk at the Party|Reza Aslan|September 22, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Suddenly the Elephant trumpeted aloud as though men had goaded him.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
“I submit,” said the prisoner, yielding to his earnest manner, and goaded by his fears that were thus awakened anew.
The Spy|J. Fenimore Cooper
Iftikhar's men vainly strove to keep pace with their leader; one after another goaded, dashed forward, dropped from the chase.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
Goaded to desperation by his villainous servant, Herbert Murray turned upon the traitor and hurled him down the gravel pit.
Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among The Turks|Bracebridge Hemyng
Susannah, goaded into direct speech by what seemed to her his wilful slowness, answered with the blood still hotter in her cheeks.
The Rake's Progress|Marjorie Bowen

British Dictionary definitions for goad

goad

/ (ɡəʊd) /

noun

a sharp pointed stick for urging on cattle, etc

anything that acts as a spur or incitement

verb

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

Derived forms of goad

goadlike, adjective

Word Origin for goad

Old English gād, of Germanic origin, related to Old English gār, Old Norse geirr spear

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

goad

OTHER WORDS FOR goad

Origin of goad

OTHER WORDS FROM goad

Words related to goad

How to use goad in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for goad

Derived forms of goad

Word Origin for goad