Goad vs. Instigate — What's the Difference?

The goad is a traditional farming implement, used to spur or guide livestock, usually oxen, which are pulling a plough or a cart; used also to round up cattle. It is a type of long stick with a pointed end, also known as the cattle prod.

To initiate or bring about, often by inciting

A long stick with a pointed end used for prodding animals.

To urge on; goad

An agent or means of prodding or urging; a stimulus.

(transitive) to incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging

To prod or urge with or as if with a long pointed stick.

(transitive) to goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions; to provoke

A long, pointed stick used to prod animals.

To goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite; - used chiefly with reference to evil actions; as, to instigate one to a crime.

(figurative) That which goads or incites; a stimulus.

Provoke or stir up;

To prod with a goad.

Serve as the inciting cause of;

To encourage or stimulate.

To incite or provoke.

A pointed instrument used to urge on a beast; hence, any necessity that urges or stimulates.

To prick; to drive with a goad; hence, to urge forward, or to rouse by anything pungent, severe, irritating, or inflaming; to stimulate.

A pointed instrument used to prod into motion

A verbalization that encourages you to attempt something;

Give heart or courage to

Urge with or as if with a goad

Prod or urge as if with a log stick

Goad or provoke,as by constant criticism;