prod

¹

[ prod ]

verb (used with object)

, prod·ded, prod·ding.

1. to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed:

   I prodded him with my elbow.

2. to rouse or incite as if by poking; nag; goad.

   Synonyms: excite, prompt, stir, impel

noun

1. the act of prodding; a poke or jab.
2. any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, especially an electrified rod that administers a mild shock:

   a cattle prod.

Prod

²

[ prod ]

noun

, Chiefly Ulster Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a Protestant, especially an Anglo-Irish Protestant.

prod.

³

abbreviation for

1. produce.
2. produced.
3. producer.
4. product.
5. production.

Prod

¹

/ prɒd /

noun

1. derogatory.
   another word for Protestant

prod

²

/ prɒd /

verb

1. to poke or jab with or as if with a pointed object
2. tr to rouse or urge to action

noun

1. the act or an instance of prodding
2. a sharp or pointed object
3. a stimulus or reminder

prod.

³

abbreviation for

1. produce
2. produced
3. product

Derived Forms

• ˈprodder, noun

Other Words From

• prod·der noun
• un·prod·ded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prod¹

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Origin of prod²

By shortening; d probably reflects the voicing or flap characteristic of some Ulster accents

Word History and Origins

Origin of prod¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

In 2022, the Shasta board only narrowly, on a 3-2 vote, agreed to accept the registrar’s certification of the state primary, and it created an advisory election commission to continue to prod and investigate.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike his parents, who told him that if he wanted to play sports he would have to give it his all, David never had to prod Carter.

From Los Angeles Times

Students and their supporters launched a statewide campaign to prod UC and other public colleges to embrace the theory, test the law and hire the students.

From Los Angeles Times

She said there’s been talk at City Hall of finding ways to speed up the process, and she’s hoping the added pressure of the coming Olympics will be a prod.

From Los Angeles Times

A charity worker attacked her neighbours with an electric cattle prod and damaged their cars amid a parking row.

From BBC

Related Words

• goad
• motivate
• prompt
• propel
• provoke
• remind
• spur
• stimulate