goads; goaded; goading
: to urge or force (someone) to do something
He was goaded (on) by a sense of duty.
The threat of legal action should goad them into complying/compliance.
plural goads
1
: a pointed rod used to make an animal move forward
2
: someone or something that urges or forces someone to do something
The threat of legal action is a powerful goad to companies that have ignored the regulations.
Cite this Entry
“Goad.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/goad. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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