The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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goad

verb

/ɡəʊd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of goad

To provoke or urge someone to take action, typically by using persistent or aggressive pressure.
"The coach continued to goad his team, urging them to play with all their might."

Detailed meaning of goad

It can also refer to the thing that causes this provocation, such as a tool used to prod animals. The term comes from the Old English word "gád" meaning "a spear or goad."

Goading can take many forms, such as making a challenging statement, asking a provocative question, or making a sarcastic comment. It can be done through words or actions, and it can be overt or subtle. The goal of goading is to provoke a reaction or to get someone to take action.

Goading can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on the context and the person's intentions. It can be seen as a positive, as it implies a desire to inspire or motivate someone to take action, to change or to improve. However, it can also be seen as negative, as it can be perceived as a form of manipulation, aggression, or hostility, and it can be seen as disrespectful or impolite.

Goading can also be used in the context of animals, as it can be used to move them forward or guide them.

Example sentences containing goad

1. The incessant ringing of the alarm clock each morning was enough to goad him into adopting an early workout routine.
2. She would subtly goad her brother into doing her chores, often with the promise of some sort of reward.
3. The thought of the upcoming competition was all the motivation needed to goad him into rigorous training.
4. His friends would often goad him into making impulsive decisions, much to his regret later.
5. The harsh criticism from her professor was meant to goad her into producing better work.
6. The activists used powerful images to goad the public into action on environmental issues.

History and etymology of goad

The verb 'goad' has an etymology that can be traced back to Old English and its predecessor languages. It has its origins in the Old English word 'gādian,' which means 'to goad' or 'to incite.' This term shares its roots with the Proto-Germanic word 'gaidōną' and can be related to the Proto-Indo-European root '*gʰayd-' meaning 'to incite' or 'to urge.' In essence, 'goad' has always been associated with the act of provoking or urging someone to take action, often through persistent or aggressive pressure. Over time, it has retained this meaning and has become a verb used to describe the act of pushing or prodding someone to do something, sometimes by employing tactics that evoke a sense of urgency or irritation. The etymology of 'goad' thus reflects its historical connection to the idea of incitement and the use of stimuli to drive action.

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Further usage examples of goad

1. His parents would goad him to pursue a career in law, despite his passion for arts.
2. The teacher would goad the students into reading by offering prizes for the most books read.
3. Critics tried to goad her into responding to the false allegations, but she maintained her composure.
4. His mentor would goad him into pushing his limits, always fostering a desire for self-improvement.
5. The rising costs of living were enough to goad people into protest.
6. The opposition tried to goad the politician into a debate, but he didn't take the bait.
7. Her desire for success would goad her into working long hours, even on weekends.
8. The thrill of the chase was enough to goad the detective into late-night investigations.
9. The threat of failing was enough to goad him into studying harder.
10. The charity used shocking statistics to goad the public into donating to their cause.
11. They would often goad each other into trying new, adventurous foods on their travels.
12. His constant boasting about his accomplishments was intended to goad his colleagues into competition.
13. Her friends would goad her into singing at the karaoke bar, knowing she had a beautiful voice.
14. "I won’t let your cruel words goad me into a fight," he declared, standing firm.
15. Her insults are meant to goad you; remain calm and collected, my friend.
16. To goad her into action, he questions her courage and undermines her achievements.
17. If you goad him enough, he'll reveal his true colors under pressure.
18. She knew just how to goad him into revealing his closely held secrets.
19. Your rivals will try to goad you; stay focused and composed always.
20. His enemies sought to goad him, using taunts and provocations in their attack.
21. A restless crowd can easily goad a leader into making hasty decisions.
22. They use your pride to goad you, be wary of their flattery and challenges.
23. He would often goad her with his criticisms, testing her patience daily.
24. Careful, for the media can goad us into panic with alarming headlines.