prod

prod¹ [prɔd US pra:d] v past tense and past participle prodded present participle prodding [I and T]

1.) to quickly push something or someone with your finger or a pointed object

= ↑poke

▪ 'Don't go to sleep,' she said, prodding me in the ribs.

prod at

▪ Theo prodded at the dead snake.

2.) to make someone do something by persuading or reminding them that it is necessary, especially when they are lazy or unwilling

prod sb into (doing) sth

▪ It had prodded Ben into doing something about it.

▪ The strike may prod the government into action .

>prodding n [U]

▪ He's a bright kid, but he needs prodding.

prod ²

prod² n [C usually singular]

[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Perhaps from brod 'pointed stick for making an animal go forward' (14-19 centuries), probably from Old Norse broddr 'spike']

1.) especially BrE a quick pushing movement, using your finger or a pointed object

= ↑poke

▪ 'Go on,' he whispered, giving me a prod in the back.

2.) BrE when you persuade or remind someone to do something

▪ Why don't you ring the shop and give them a prod ?

3.) a pointed instrument used for pushing animals, to make them move

▪ a cattle prod