prod

prod — verb

1. to push your finger or a pointed object into someone or something, often in a qu

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to push your finger or a pointed object into someone or something, often in a quick or repeated motion.

Example

Tyler prodded the cat gently with his toe to see if it would wake up.

transitive: prod + object + with + instrument

The doctor prodded at Joon's swollen ankle and asked if it hurt.

intransitive: prod at + object

Common collocations
  • prod gently
  • prod with a fork
  • prod at a wound
  • prod the fire
  • prod the meat
Synonyms
  • poke

    more general; 'prod' suggests more force or a deliberate goal

  • nudge

    softer, usually with an elbow or foot rather than a pointed object

  • jab

    quicker and more forceful than prod; can suggest aggression

Grammar Patterns

prod + at + noun phrase

prod + noun phrase

Usage Note

The intransitive form always takes 'at' ('prod at something'). The transitive form can be used with or without an instrument phrase: 'prodded the meat' or 'prodded the meat with a fork.'

Common Mistakes

He prodded at the fire with a stick to stir the embers.
He prodded the fire with a stick to stir the embers.
when a specific instrument is named, the transitive form is more natural; 'prod at' is used when the instrument is vague or omitted.

2. to push someone gently but firmly to do something they are hesitating to do or t

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to push someone gently but firmly to do something they are hesitating to do or taking too long over.

Example

Rafael's coach prodded him into signing up for the marathon despite his nerves.

prod + person + into + gerund

Tara kept prodding Dewi to hand in the application before the deadline.

prod + person + to + infinitive

Common collocations
  • prod into action
  • prod to apply
  • prod the government
  • gentle prodding
Synonyms
  • urge

    less physical metaphor; usually verbal encouragement

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

prod + person + to do

prod + person + into + doing

Usage Note

Not as strong or urgent as 'push' or 'force.' Prodding is gentle but persistent, often with reminders or gentle questioning. The 'into + gerund' pattern is slightly more formal than 'to + infinitive.'

Common Mistakes

She prodded him for applying late.
She prodded him into applying earlier.
'prod + person + into + gerund' is the correct pattern; 'prod + person + for + gerund' sounds unnatural.

prod — noun

Word family

  • prodding
    nounB2
  • prodded
    verb (past)B1
  • prodding
    verb (gerund)B1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Prod,' 'poke,' 'nudge,' and 'jab' all describe pushing against something or someone, but they differ in force, instrument, and purpose. 'Poke' is the most general and neutral term — you can poke anything with a finger or a stick without implying a specific goal. 'Prod' suggests a deliberate purpose: you prod food to test its doneness, or prod someone to get a reaction. 'Nudge' is softer and usually done with an elbow or shoulder rather than a pointed object; it often carries a gentle, cooperative feel. 'Jab' is the most forceful — a quick, sharp thrust that can feel aggressive, as in jabbing someone with an elbow or jabbing a button. For choosing which word to use, consider the tool (finger vs pointed object vs elbow), the force (light vs sharp), and the intention (casual touch vs testing vs urging).

poke ↗nudge ↗jabprod ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • give someone a prod
  • a prod from
  • prod someone into action
  • need a prod

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseScandinavianEnglish

'Prod' first appeared in English in the early 1500s, likely borrowed from a Scandinavian source — compare Swedish 'brodd' (shoot, sprout) and Old Norse 'broddr' (spike, point). Its earliest recorded use referred to a pointed stick or goad used for driving cattle. From the physical tool came the verb meaning 'to poke with a point,' and later the figurative sense of 'urging someone to act' developed in the 1800s.