goads

noun

Things that provoke or stimulate a strong reaction or action; sharp sticks for cattle.

"His constant criticism acted as goads."

verb

Provokes or annoys someone, often persistently, to stimulate a reaction or action.

"She constantly goads him about his messy room."

Thesaurus

Synonyms: needle, prod, spur, prodding, spurring, goading, urging, prick