goad Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
    prod.
  2. noun a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
    goading; spurring; prodding; prod; spur; urging.
    • the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves
  3. verb give heart or courage to
    spur.
  4. verb urge with or as if with a goad
  5. verb stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
    prick.
  6. verb goad or provoke,as by constant criticism
    needle.
    • He needled her with his sarcastic remarks

WordNet

Goad noun
Etymology
AS. gad; perh. akin to AS. gar a dart, and E. gore. See Gore, v. t.
Definitions
  1. A pointed instrument used to urge on a beast; hence, any necessity that urges or stimulates.
    The daily goad urging him to the daily toil. Macaulay.
Goad transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Goaded; present participle & verbal noun Goading
Definitions
  1. To prick; to drive with a goad; hence, to urge forward, or to rouse by anything pungent, severe, irritating, or inflaming; to stimulate.
    That temptation that doth goad us on. Shak.
    Syn. -- To urge; stimulate; excite; arouse; irritate; incite; instigate.

Webster 1913