Goad — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈgōd/

Meaning & Definition of Goad

Goad (verb)

  1. to incite or rouse as if with a goad
  2. to drive (an animal) with a goad

Goad (noun)

  1. a pointed rod used to urge on an animal
  2. something that urges or stimulates into action, spur
  3. something that pains as if by pricking, thorn

Goad (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that arouses action or activity

    "the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen"

    similar: boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm
    related: inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark
    opposite: counterincentive, disincentive

Goad (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action

    "tried to goad me into auditioning for the play"

    similar: egg (on), encourage, exhort, nudge, press, prod, prompt, urge
    related: drive, propel, spur, stimulate, hurry, hustle, push, rush, adjure, beseech, implore, importune, blandish, cajole, coax, soft-soap, wheedle, high-pressure, nag, needle, pressure, foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir (up)
    near: deter, discourage, dissuade, brake, check, constrain, curb, hold back, inhibit, restrain

  2. to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object

    "goading the horse forward into the stall"

    similar: dig, prod, spur
    related: chuck, jab, jog, knock, nudge, poke, bore, drill, perforate, pierce, prick, punch, puncture, stab, stick, drive, hale, propel

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Goad

The most common words with a similar meaning to Goad:

boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm, egg (on), encourage, exhort, nudge, press, prod, prompt, urge, dig

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Goad

Words with the opposite meaning of Goad:

counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words for Goad

inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark, drive, propel, stimulate, hurry, hustle, push, rush, adjure, beseech, implore, importune, blandish, cajole, coax, soft-soap, wheedle, high-pressure

Near Antonyms of Goad

deter, discourage, dissuade, brake, check, constrain, curb, hold back, inhibit, restrain

Word Forms of Goad

Inflections: goaded, goading, goads

Origin & Etymology of Goad

Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on

First known use: 1579

Frequently Asked Questions about Goad

What does "Goad" mean?

"Goad" means to incite or rouse as if with a goad. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to incite or rouse as if with a goad. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Goad"?

Other words for "Goad" include boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement and instigation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Goad" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Goad"?

There are 78 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Goad". Common alternatives include boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum and motivation.

What is the opposite of "Goad"?

Antonyms of "Goad" include counterincentive and disincentive. Near antonyms include deter, discourage, dissuade and brake.

How do you use "Goad" in a sentence?

Examples of "Goad" in a sentence: "the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen"; "tried to goad me into auditioning for the play"; "goading the horse forward into the stall".

Is "Goad" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Goad" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Goad"?

"Goad" is pronounced /ˈgōd/.

What is the origin of the word "Goad"?

"Goad" comes from Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on. First known use: 1579.