goad
/ɡoʊd/
noun
- A pointed stick used for driving cattle or other animals.
- The ancient goad was made of iron and had a wooden handle.
- The farmer used a goad to guide the oxen along the path.
- He carved a sharp goad from a branch to move the stubborn donkey.
- Something that urges or encourages a person to take action.
- The promise of a bonus was the goad she needed to finish the project early.
- The threat of losing his job was a constant goad to improve his performance.
- His friend's success served as a goad to work harder.
verb
- To urge or force someone to do something by annoying or provoking them.
- She tried to goad her brother into admitting he was wrong.
- The coach's harsh words goaded the team into playing better.
- The protesters were goaded by the politician's remarks.
- To drive an animal with a pointed stick.
- He gently goaded the sheep back into the pen.
- Without a stick, she couldn't goad the mule forward.
- The herder had to goad the lazy cow to get it moving.
Antonyms