| Noun | 1. | goad - a pointed instrument used to prod into motiondevice - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" gad, spur - a sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward; "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on" | |
| 2. | goad - a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something; "the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves" | |
| Verb | 1. | goad - give heart or courage toencourage - inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to | |
| 2. | goad - urge with or as if with a goadegg on, prod, incite - urge on; cause to act; "They other children egged the boy on, but he did not want to throw the stone through the window" spur - goad with spurs; "the rider spurred his horse" | |
| 3. | goad - prod or urge as if with a log stickstab, jab - stab or pierce; "he jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife" | |
| 4. | goad - goad or provoke,as by constant criticism; "He needled her with his sarcastic remarks"beset, chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, harass, harry, hassle, molest, plague, provoke - annoy continually or chronically; "He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked"; "This man harasses his female co-workers" | |