word of the day #4

goad

(noun, transitive verb) [goed]
noun

1. a long pointed stick used to prod animals, such as cattle, into motion

2. something that stimulates or urges somebody into action; a spur: "Embarrassed by the inspiration behind her hard work, Eva kept her goad a secret."

transitive verb

3. to urge or provoke with or as if with a long pointed stick