Noun

• S: (n) prod, goad (a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion)
• 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)
• S: (v) needle, goad (annoy or provoke, as by constant criticism) "He needled her with his sarcastic remarks"