Main Entry: ¹goad

Pronunciation: \ˈgōd\

Function: noun

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

Date: before 12th century

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

synonyms see motive