—n.
1 a spiked stick used for urging cattle forward.
2 anything that torments, incites, or stimulates.
—v.tr.
1 urge on with a goad.
2 (usu. foll. by on, into) irritate; stimulate (goaded him into retaliating; goaded me on to win).
Etymology: OE gad, rel. to Lombard gaida arrowhead f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.