Goad
/ɡoʊd/
nounverbB2
Definition
A goad is a tool or a reason that makes someone do something, usually by pushing them in a strong or sometimes irritating way. When used as a verb, it means to encourage or annoy someone until they react or act.
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See It in Action
Noun: A physical stick or tool used to poke animals to make them move
- •The farmer used a goad to move the stubborn ox forward.
- •The goad helped guide the animals during the walk.
- •Ancient farmers often used a goad to control their cattle.
Verb: To provoke or annoy someone to make them do something
- •She was goaded into answering the question by the teasing crowd.
- •His comments goaded me into defending my opinion.
- •The coach goaded the players to try harder during practice.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'goad' like 'push,' but not with hands—it's a push with words or feelings that make someone act.
- ✓Picture a farmer using a stick to gently poke a cow to move forward.
- ✓It's the feeling when a friend teases you until you finally join a game or answer a question.
- ✓Sounds like 'GO-ed' → imagine someone telling you to 'GO!' by pushing you a little.
- ✓In stories, characters sometimes get goaded by others to face challenges they want to avoid.
- ✓NOT like 'help' (which supports kindly), 'goad' can be more like a push that might annoy or force action.
- ✓NOT like 'force' (which is very strong and direct), 'goad' is often a softer or indirect push.
- ✓NOT like 'encourage' (which is kind and positive), 'goad' can be annoying or irritating to make someone act.
Try Other Words
- •Provoke: to cause a reaction, often by annoying (Use when the action is more about causing anger or reaction)
- •Urge: to strongly encourage someone to do something (Use when the push is kind or positive)
- •Prod: to poke or push lightly, often physically or with words (Use when the push is gentle and physical or verbal)
- •Push: to move someone or something by force or effort (Use when the action is physical or less emotional)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix; root word 'goad')
- •Etymology: From Old English 'gād,' meaning a pointed stick used to drive cattle
- •Historical development: Originally a noun for a physical tool, later also used as a verb meaning to urge or provoke
- •Modern usage: Used both as a noun for a tool and as a verb meaning to provoke or encourage action, often with some irritation
- •Interesting fact: The word 'goad' is often used in literature to describe mental or emotional pushing, not just physical
Reflect & Connect
•Can being goaded sometimes help people do things they are afraid to try? How?
•When might goading be harmful instead of helpful in encouraging someone?
Fill in the blanks
1.The farmer used a goad to ___ the ox forward when it stopped moving.
2.She was goaded by her friends’ teasing until she finally ___ to join the game.
3.Unlike a gentle suggestion, a goad often causes someone to act through ___ or pressure.
4.The coach goaded the team ___ working harder during the final minutes of the game.
5.When someone is goaded, they might feel ___ but still be motivated to act.
6.A goad can be a physical tool or a ___ that pushes someone to do something.
7.If you only gently encourage someone, you might not ___ them as strongly as a goad would.