verb

provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate an action or reaction.

he was trying to goad her into a fight

provoke,spur,prick,sting,prod,egg on,hound,badger,incite,rouse,stir,move,stimulate,motivate,excite,inflame,work/fire up,impel,pressure,pressurize,dragoon,prompt,induce,encourage,urge,inspire

noun

a spiked stick used for driving cattle.

prod,spiked stick,spike,staff,crook,pole,rod,ankus,prick