goad

About 0.43 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A long, pointed stick used to prod animals.
2. noun That which goads or incites; a stimulus.
3. verb To prod with a goad.
4. verb To encourage or stimulate.
5. verb To incite or provoke.

   goading a boy to fight

Similar words

prod prodding prick spur spurring needle nettle urging incite stimulate

Often followed by

the to him of and them her me in

Word family

goaded goading goads