to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed

I prodded him with my elbow.

to rouse or incite as if by poking; nag; goad.

the act of prodding; a poke or jab.

any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, esp. an electrified rod that administers a mild shock

a cattle prod.

verb

discourage , dissuade

verb

crowd , dig , drive , elbow , goose , jab , jog , nudge , press , prick , punch , push , shove , crowd * , egg on * , excite , exhort , goad , goose * , impel , instigate , jog memory , motivate , move , pique , prompt , propel , provoke , remind , rouse , sic , sound , spark , spur , stimulate , stir up , trigger , turn on , poke , egg on , foment , galvanize , incite , inflame , inspire , set off , touch off , work up , egg , encourage , urge

noun

encouragement , fillip , impetus , impulse , incentive , inducement , motivation , push , spur , stimulant , stimulation , stimulator