prods

verb

Pushes or pokes someone or something, often to encourage or remind.

"She prods him to finish his homework."

noun

Sharp pushes or pokes, often to encourage action or get attention.

"A few gentle prods got the donkey moving."

Thesaurus

Synonyms: goad, incite, egg on, prodding, spur, spurring, goading, urging, jab, dig, poke, stab