"goad" in the noun sense
1. prod, goad
a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
2. goad, goading, prod, prodding, urging, spur, spurring
a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
"the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves"
"goad" in the verb sense
1. spur, goad
give heart or courage to
2. goad
urge with or as if with a goad
3. goad, prick
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
4. needle, goad
annoy or provoke, as by constant criticism
"He needled her with his sarcastic remarks"
Source: WordNet® (An amazing lexical database of English)
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