goading
Definition
Noun: 1. The act of urging or provoking someone, often persistently, to do something: "goading" refers to the use of words or actions that are intended to stimulate, encourage, or annoy someone into action. It often carries a connotation of persistent irritation or provocation.
Usage and Examples
- As a subject:
- As an object:
- With a possessive:
Advanced Usage
- "to be subjected to goading": to be the target of persistent provocation.
- The witness was subjected to intense goading by the lawyer.
- Implied in the action is a sense of overcoming reluctance or resistance in the target.
Variants and Related Words
- Goad (verb): To provoke or annoy someone so as to stimulate an action or reaction.
- He tried to goad me into an argument.
- Goad (noun): A thing that stimulates someone into action; originally a pointed stick used to drive cattle.
- Fear of failure was the goad that kept him studying.
Synonyms
- Prodding: Poking or urging someone to act.
- Urging: Advising or trying earnestly to persuade.
- Spurring: Strongly encouraging or stimulating.
- Incitement: The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone to behave in an unlawful way.
- Nagging: Constantly harassing someone to do something.
Antonyms
- Discouragement: The action of trying to persuade someone not to do something.
- Deterrence: The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
- Restraint: A measure or condition that holds someone back from action.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To rise to the goad: To react to provocation, often by taking the desired action, similar to an animal reacting to a physical goad.
- He eventually rose to the goad and applied for the promotion.
Noun
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a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
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the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves
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