First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1goad
noun \ˈgōd\
: a pointed rod used to make an animal move forward
: someone or something that urges or forces someone to do something
Full Definition of GOAD
1
2
: a pointed rod used to urge on an animal
See goad defined for English-language learners
See goad defined for kids
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Origin of GOAD
Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on
Related to GOAD
- Synonyms
- boost, encouragement, impulse, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
- Antonyms
- counterincentive, disincentive
Synonym Discussion of GOAD
motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act <a motive for the crime>. impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution <buying on impulse>. incentive applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) inciting to action <a bonus was offered as an incentive>. inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another <offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe>. spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor <fear was a spur to action>. goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire <thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency>.
2goad
verb
: to urge or force (someone) to do something
Full Definition of GOAD
transitive verb
1
: to incite or rouse as if with a goad
2
: to drive (as cattle) with a goad
See goad defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GOAD
1579
GOAD Defined for Kids
1goad
noun \ˈgōd\
Definition of GOAD for Kids
1
: a pointed rod used to keep an animal moving
2
: something that urges or forces someone to act
2goad
verb
goad·edgoad·ing
Definition of GOAD for Kids
: to urge or force a person or an animal to act <… he goaded them toward school any way he could. — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee>
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