A verbalization that encourages you to attempt something:
— The ceaseless prodding got on his nerves.

synonyms: goad, goading, prodding, spur, spurring, urging.

A pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion.

synonym: goad.

To push against gently.

synonyms: nudge, poke at.

Roget 276: give an impetus etc. n.; impel, push; start, give a start to, set going; drive, urge, boom; thrust, prod, foin [Fr.]; cant; elbow, shoulder, jostle, justle^†, hustle, hurtle, shove, jog, jolt, encounter; run against, bump against, butt against; knock one's head against, run one's head against; impinge; boost [U.S.]; bunt, carom, clip y; fan, fan out; jab, plug [Slang].    strike, knock, hit, tap, rap, slap, flap, dab, pat, thump, beat, blow, bang, slam, dash; punch, thwack, whack; hit hard, strike hard; swap, batter, dowse^†, baste; pelt, patter, buffet, belabor; fetch one a blow; poke at, pink, lunge, yerk^†; kick, calcitrate^†; butt, strike at etc. (attack) 716; whip etc. (punish) 972.    come into a collision, enter into collision; collide; sideswipe; foul; fall foul of, run foul of; telescope.    throw etc. (propel) 284.    ... show more

Urge on; cause to act.

synonyms: egg on, incite.

Dutch: provoceren, opjutten, porren, opruien, ophitsen, aansporen

Poke or thrust abruptly.

synonyms: dig, jab, poke, stab.

Dutch: porren