Word: goad (verb, noun)

Associations

The word "goad" means to provoke or annoy someone to make them do something. It can also be a noun meaning a pointed stick used to drive animals forward.

As a verb:

• "He tried to goad me into arguing." (He tried to annoy me to make me argue.)
• "The coach goaded the players to work harder." (The coach encouraged or pushed the players.)
• "Don't let their teasing goad you." (Don't let their teasing annoy you enough to react.)

As a noun:

• "The farmer used a goad to move the cattle." (A pointed stick to guide animals.)

Synonym difference:

• "Goad" vs. "provoke": Both can mean to cause a reaction, but "goad" often implies teasing or pushing someone to act, sometimes in a slightly annoying way. "Provoke" is more general and can mean causing anger or other strong emotions.

Substitution

Instead of "goad" (verb), you can say:

• "provoke"
• "tease"
• "encourage" (if positive)
• "push"

Each changes the tone slightly. "Tease" is lighter and playful, "provoke" can be stronger or more negative, "encourage" is positive, and "push" is neutral.

Deconstruction

The word "goad" comes from Old English "gād," meaning a pointed stick used to drive animals. Over time, it also became a verb meaning to urge or provoke someone, like the stick urges animals forward.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone goaded you into doing something?
• How is being goaded different from being encouraged?
• What feelings does being goaded usually create? Annoyance? Motivation? Both?