noun / verb

prod

PRAHD/prɑːd/

A short poke intended to prompt movement.

The man gives the seated young man a gentle prod to stand.

A middle-aged man gently pokes a seated young man's upper arm to urge him to get moving; the young man responds by leaning forward and beginning to stand.

Etymology

Originally meaning “poke with a stick,” prod later extended physical pushing to mental prompting or urging someone into action. Its deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Cats9:03

some cats will actually go up to another cat and prod them a bit and poke

Cat Chat Tuesday with Amanda @kittysittycatbehaviourist for all your cat behaviour questions

More examples

She gently prodded the sleepy dog until he got up.
A light prod on my shoulder makes me step aside.
His reminder gives me the prod I need to finish.

Forms

prod · prods · prodded · prodding

Similar words

poke: Describes brief contact without necessarily trying to prompt movement.
nudge: Usually suggests a gentle push rather than pointed contact.
jab: Suggests a sharper, more forceful poke, often causing pain.