gag
gag Lexical Profile
gag Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A joke, funny story, or contrived comedic trick, especially one performed as part of a stage act, film, or broadcast.
"The comedian opened his routine with a clever visual gag that immediately won over the audience."
A piece of cloth or other device put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking or crying out, or to hold the mouth open during a medical or dental procedure.
"The dentist used a small rubber gag to keep the patient's jaw propped open during the surgery."
An official order or legal restriction that prohibits public discussion or reporting of a particular case or topic.
"The judge issued a strict gag on all parties involved to ensure a fair and unbiased trial."
American A large, brownish-gray marine grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) of the family Serranidae, native to reefs along the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
"Anglers fishing near the offshore reefs of Florida frequently target the gag for its firm, mild flesh."
• verb
To choke or retch convulsively as if about to vomit.
"The pungent odor of spoiled milk in the refrigerator made him gag."
To put a cloth or other restraint in or over the mouth of someone in order to prevent them from speaking or shouting, or to silence someone through authority or intimidation.
"Critics argued that the new nondisclosure policy was an attempt to gag whistleblowers."
To tell jokes or perform comedic routines.
"The actors spent the rehearsal gagging and improvising lines to lighten the mood."
• Rhymes for gag
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in Middle English as the verb 'gaggen' (meaning to strangle or choke), the word is likely imitative of the sound made when choking. The comedic sense emerged in early 19th-century theatrical slang, originally referring to improvised lines inserted by actors.