goad

[ɡoʊd]

goad Definition

• 1. to provoke or annoy someone in order to make them do something
• 2. a pointed rod used to urge on an animal

Using goad: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "goad" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He goaded me into telling the truth.

• Example

  The farmer used a goad to move the cattle along.

• Example

  The coach's harsh words were meant to be a goad to motivate the team.

• Example

  She felt the goad of ambition and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals.

goad Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for goad

• spur
• prod
• egg on
• stimulate
• incite

Antonyms for goad

• deter
• discourage

Phrases with goad

• goad somebody into something

  to provoke or encourage someone to do something

  Example

  The boss goaded his employees into working harder.

• take the goad

  to accept criticism or correction without becoming angry or defensive

  Example

  She took the goad from her supervisor and worked to improve her performance.

• goad somebody to distraction

  to provoke or irritate someone to the point of extreme annoyance or frustration

  Example

  The constant noise goaded him to distraction.

Origins of goad

from Old English 'gād'

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Summary: goad in Brief

The term 'goad' [ɡoʊd] can be used as a verb or noun. As a verb, it means to provoke or annoy someone to do something, as in 'He goaded me into telling the truth.' As a noun, it refers to a pointed rod used to urge on an animal, as in 'The farmer used a goad to move the cattle along.' Other phrases include 'goad somebody into something,' 'take the goad,' and 'goad somebody to distraction.'