Noun

• S: (n) prod, goad (a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion)
• direct hyponym / full hyponym
• direct hypernym / inherited hypernym / sister term
• S: (n) device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose) "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water"
• S: (n) instrumentality, instrumentation (an artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end)
• S: (n) artifact, artefact (a man-made object taken as a whole)
• S: (n) whole, unit (an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity) "how big is that part compared to the whole?"; "the team is a unit"
• S: (n) object, physical object (a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow) "it was full of rackets, balls and other objects"
• S: (n) physical entity (an entity that has physical existence)
• S: (n) entity (that which is perceived or known or inferred to have its own distinct existence (living or nonliving))
• derivationally related form
• S: (n) goad, goading, prod, prodding, urging, spur, spurring (a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something) "the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves"

Verb

• S: (v) spur, goad (give heart or courage to)
• S: (v) goad (urge with or as if with a goad)
• S: (v) goad, prick (stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick)
• direct hypernym / inherited hypernym / sister term
• derivationally related form
• sentence frame
• S: (v) needle, goad (annoy or provoke, as by constant criticism) "He needled her with his sarcastic remarks"