prod

1 of 4

verb

ˈpräd 

prodded; prodding

transitive verb

1

a

: to thrust a pointed instrument into : prick

b

: to incite to action : stir

2

: to poke or stir as if with a prod

intransitive verb

: to urge someone on

prodder noun

prod

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

: a pointed instrument used to prod

2

: an incitement to act

needed a few prods to remember her lines

prod

3 of 4

abbreviation

product; production

Prod

4 of 4

noun (2)

ˈpräd 

chiefly Ireland, often disparaging + offensive

: protestant sense 1b

Synonyms

Verb

• dig
• goad
• spur

Examples of prod in a Sentence

Verb

She prodded him in the ribs to get his attention.

She was prodded into joining the team.

Noun (1)

She gave him a sharp prod in the back.

He picked up a stick and used it as a prod to get the donkey moving.

He needed a few prods to remember his lines.

She called me and gave me a prod about finishing the report.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Similarly the Colorado legislature, in all its wisdom, is prodding shoppers away from single-use plastic bags toward less environmentally sound replacements. —Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2024

The victims told officials they were held down by football players while someone prodded them in the legs and behinds with a broomstick. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration

First Known Use

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prod

• cattle prod

Kids Definition

prod

1 of 2 verb

ˈpräd 

prodded; prodding

1

: to poke with something

2

: to stir a person or animal to action

kept prodding me to reveal the secret

prodder noun

prod

2 of 2 noun

1

: something used for prodding

2

: an act of prodding : a sharp urging or reminder