goad

¹goad

noun \ˈgōd\

Definition of GOAD

1

a : something that pains as if by pricking : thorn b : something that urges or stimulates into action : spur

2

: a pointed rod used to urge on an animal

Examples of GOAD

1. The threat of legal action is a powerful goad to companies that have ignored the regulations.
2. <the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen>

Origin of GOAD

Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to GOAD

Synonyms: boost, encouragement, impulse, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words: inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

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See Synonym Discussion at motive

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with GOAD

bode, bowed, code, load, lode, mode, node, ode, road, rode, toad, toed, woad