Goaded
/ˈɡoʊ.dɪd/noun
Driven or urged on by pressure, provocation, or persistent prompting.
Did you know?The core image behind *goad* is an actual pointed stick used to jab cattle forward, and English turned that physical pressure into a psychological word for provocation.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
gād
“A pointed stick or spur used to drive animals onward.”
Middle English
ME
gode
“A driving tool or sharp prod.”
14th Century
English
goad
“A pointed stick for urging animals; also a sharp stimulus or provocation.”
15th Century
English
goaden
“To drive with a goad; to spur or provoke.”
Modern English
English
goaded
“Urged or provoked into action or reaction.”