1. a pointed stick used to drive cattle or other animals
2. something that urges or stimulates into action

1. to drive with a goad
2. to urge or provoke someone into action

Examples

• The farmer used a goad to move the stubborn ox.
• Fear of failure was the goad that drove him to work harder.
• She goaded the horse forward with a sharp stick.
• His friends goaded him into trying the dangerous stunt.
• The coach’s criticism was meant to goad the team into better performance.
• Don’t let their taunts goad you into a fight.
• The cattle driver carried a long wooden goad.
• Her competitive nature served as a constant goad to excel.