goad
to provoke or urge someone into action, often by irritation
Word origin: From Old English gad, a spiked stick for driving cattle.
Goad in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing goad in a sentence.
His critics goaded him with taunts until he blurted out a rash public statement.
Relentless taunts from the gallery finally goaded the chess master into an uncharacteristic blunder.
Using “goad” well
To goad is to prod someone into action, usually by persistent irritation or provocation. The image is of driving cattle with a pointed stick, so it implies pressure rather than gentle encouragement.
More GRE words starting with G
an embarrassing social mistake or blunder, especially in a public setting
providing profit or income; productive
in a way that yields profit or useful result
to deny or contradict; to declare false
one who denies, opposes, or contradicts
bold, brazen impudence or nerve
causing irritation or resentment; vexing
producing a sudden, startling burst of energy or excitement
Questions about “goad”
Learn words the way the GRE tests them.
Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.