1. Annoy or provoke, as by constant criticism
   "He goaded her with his sarcastic remarks";
   - needle
    
2. Stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
   "He goaded the ox with a sharp stick";
   - prick
    
3. Urge with or as if with a goad
   "His constant criticism goaded her to work harder"

1. A pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
   "The farmer used a goad to guide the reluctant cattle";
   - prod
    
2. Anything that inspires, motivates or drives you to do something
   "The deadline served as a goad to complete the project";
   - goading, prod, prodding, urging, spur, spurring

Derived forms: goading, goads, goaded

Type of: beset, chevvy [non-standard], chevy [Brit, archaic], chivvy [Brit], chivy [Brit], device, egg, egg on, encouragement, harass, harry, hassle [informal], incite, jab, molest, plague, prod, provoke, stab

Encyclopedia: Goad, Paul