goad
/goud/
Definition
Noun:
- A pointed stick used to drive animals forward: A physical tool, typically a rod with a sharp point, used to prod or urge livestock (like oxen or cattle) to move.
- Something that urges, stimulates, or provokes: A stimulus, incentive, or persistent encouragement that pushes someone to act, often against their initial reluctance. It can also be a source of irritation or annoyance.
Verb:
- To prod or drive with a pointed stick: To use a goad on an animal.
- To urge, stimulate, or provoke someone into action: To encourage or force someone to do something through persistent pressure, criticism, or strong persuasion. This often implies overcoming hesitation or resistance.
- To irritate or annoy persistently: To act as a source of mental irritation or vexation.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The farmer used a goad to guide the oxen.
- His constant criticism was a goad that finally made her improve her work.
- The fear of failure served as a powerful goad, pushing him to study harder.
Verb:
- She goaded the stubborn mule until it moved.
- The coach goaded the team into giving their best performance.
- He was finally goaded into answering the challenge by their insults.
Advanced Usage
"to goad someone on": To encourage or urge someone to continue or intensify their efforts, often when they are already active.
- The cheering crowd goaded the runners on in the final stretch.
"to goad someone into (doing) something": To provoke or pressure someone until they take a specific action, often one they were avoiding.
- His rivals goaded him into making a reckless decision.
Variants and Related Words
- Goading (noun/adj): The act of provoking or urging; serving to provoke.
- His goading comments were hard to ignore.
Synonyms
- Noun: Prod, spur, incentive, stimulus, impetus, incitement.
- Verb: Prod, spur, urge, incite, provoke, needle, egg on, prompt, stimulate.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Goad on: To encourage someone to continue or increase their activity or effort.
- The spectators goaded the fighters on.
Related Idioms
- A goad in the flesh: (Less common, derived from "a thorn in the flesh") A persistent source of annoyance or trouble.
- To take up the goad: (Archaic) To accept a challenge or provocation.
Noun
- a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
- the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves
- a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
Verb
- goad or provoke,as by constant criticism
- He needled her with his sarcastic remarks
- stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
- urge with or as if with a goad
- give heart or courage to
