goad

The verb "goad" describes provoking or urging someone into doing something, often through repeated pressure, annoyance, criticism, or taunts. It is stronger and sharper than simple encouragement. Usually, it suggests that one person is trying to stir up a reaction or force action by irritating, frustrating, or challenging another person. The word originally referred to a pointed stick used to drive cattle, which helps explain the image behind it: steady prodding until movement happens.

In literature or film, you might see a villain goading a hero into a fight to make them lose control. In public life, a political opponent might use sharp language to goad a rival into making a careless mistake. In daily life, a sibling, classmate, or coworker might keep teasing someone until they finally react. In all of these cases, the idea is the same: someone is being pushed into action by pressure rather than persuaded calmly.

Interestingly, "goad" can also be used as a noun, meaning the pointed stick itself. In modern English, though, it is much more common as a verb. If someone keeps pushing your buttons to make you respond, they may be trying to goad you. The word usually carries a negative tone, but the basic meaning is simply to drive or provoke someone into action.