Gag

/ɡæɡ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a device placed in the mouth to prevent speech or to restrain someone

The captors used a gag to silence their prisoner.

a joke or an amusing story

He told a hilarious gag that made everyone laugh.

a trick or prank meant to amuse

The prank was just a harmless gag that didn't hurt anyone.

verb

to restrain someone’s speech or prevent them from speaking

They had to gag the actor to make the scene more dramatic.

to retch or to feel nausea

The smell of the spoiled food made him gag.

to tease or joke with someone in a light-hearted way

He likes to gag his friends about their eating habits.

Middle English 'gagge', probably a variant of 'gagg' which is of uncertain origin.

gag order

A legal order restricting information or comments.

gagging for something

Desiring something intensely.

gag reel

A collection of bloopers or outtakes from a film or television show.

gag reflex

The involuntary contraction of the muscles at the back of the throat.

muzzle

A device placed over the snout of an animal to prevent it from biting or eating.

joke

A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter.

To laugh uncontrollably.

That stand-up comedian really gags me!

To vomit or feel sick.

I gagged after eating that expired food.