A Prod Is Gentler Than a Poke and Sharper Than a Nudge
To prod is to push with something pointed. It also means to urge someone into action.
To prod is to poke with something pointed, and figuratively to urge someone into action. English keeps a surprisingly fine set of distinctions here: a *nudge* is soft and usually with the elbow, a *poke* is a single sharp push with a finger, a *prod* uses something pointed and is often repeated, and a *jab* is fast and forceful. Each carries different intent as well as different force. The word is probably imitative and appears in the 1500s; a cattle prod is the literal instrument.
- To poke. *Prodding with a stick.*
- To urge. *Prodding him into action.*
- A pointed instrument. *A cattle prod.*
- A reminder. *A gentle prod.*
- Probably imitative. *The 1500s.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | prod | Prodding. |
| Noun | prod | A prod. |
| Past | prodded | Prodded. |
| Compound | cattle prod | A cattle prod. |
| Related | poke | To poke. |
- He prodded the fire.Physical.
- She needed a prod.Figurative.
- A cattle prod.Instrument.
Degrees of pushing
- Nudge — soft, often with the elbow, often a hint
- Poke — one sharp push, usually with a finger
- Prod — with something pointed, often repeated
- Jab — fast and forceful
- Shove — with the whole hand or body
Origin uncertain, recorded from the 1500s, probably imitative.
What is the difference between a prod and a poke?
A poke is a single sharp push, usually with a finger; a prod uses something pointed and is often repeated.
Can a prod be figurative?
Yes. A gentle prod is a reminder meant to get someone moving.