goad Hear it!

goad definition

goad (gōd)

noun

  1. a sharp-pointed stick used in driving oxen
  2. any driving impulse; spur

Etymology: ME gode < OE gad, akin to Langobardic gaida, javelin < IE base *ĝhei-, to throw > Sans hinvati, (he) hurls

transitive verb

to drive with or as with a goad; prod into action; urge on

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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