verb
goose
To prod someone suddenly into a startled response.
He gooses his friend from behind, making him jump.
Etymology
The verb evokes a goose’s sudden nip or prod. Applied to a person, it names an unexpected poke that makes the recipient jump or react sharply.
More examples
- Don't goose me while I'm carrying hot coffee.
- She yelped when someone goosed her as she bent over.
- She tells him to stop goosing her.
Forms
goose · gooses · goosed · goosing