Nouns

(n)prod, goada pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
(n)goad, goading, prod, prodding, urging, spur, spurringa verbalization that encourages you to attempt something“the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves”

Verbs

(v)spur, goadgive heart or courage to
(v)goadurge with or as if with a goad
(v)goad, prickstab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
(v)needle, goadannoy or provoke, as by constant criticism“He needled her with his sarcastic remarks”