gag

1 of 2

verb

ˈgag 

gagged; gagging

transitive verb

1

a

: to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting something into it to prevent speech or outcry

b

: to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression

trying to gag the press

legally gagged from discussing the case

c

: to pry or hold open with a gag

2

: to provide or write quips or pranks for

gag a show

3

: to choke or cause to retch

intransitive verb

1

a

: choke

also : to suffer a throat spasm that makes swallowing or breathing difficult

b

: retch

2

: to be unable to endure something : balk

The boys gagged at all the kissing and goo-goo eyes.

3

: to make quips

gagger noun

gag

2 of 2

noun

1

: something thrust into the mouth to keep it open or to prevent speech or outcry

2

: an official check or restraint on debate or free speech

a gag rule

3

: a laugh-provoking remark or act

4

: prank, trick

Synonyms

Verb

• barf
• heave
• hurl
• puke
• retch
• spew
• spit up
• throw up
• upchuck
• vomit

Noun

• boff
• boffo
• boffola
• crack
• drollery
• funny
• giggle [chiefly British]
• jape
• jest
• joke
• josh
• laugh
• nifty
• one-liner
• pleasantry
• quip
• rib
• sally
• waggery
• wisecrack
• witticism
• yuk [slang]
• yuck
• yak
• yock

Examples of gag in a Sentence

Verb

The government is trying to gag the press.

the terrible smell of rotting fish made me gag

Noun

The movie relies on simpleminded gags for laughs.

They hid his clothes as a gag.

They tied up the hostages and put gags in their mouths.

The government is trying to put a gag on the press.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

And its corollary: When does the correctness of one’s position justify gagging etiquette and locking her in the closet? —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025

So why not gag us with some surprise winners and left-field choices? —Joe Reid, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025

Noun

Bunny also joined Fallon for one of his recurring gags: a trip down to the subway in disguise for some impromptu busking. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025

But, reciting the lame gag rehashed since his ailment came to light, Bumrah had carried India's attack all series until his body gave way. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English gaggen "to strangle," of imitative origin

Noun

derivative of gag entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gag

• gag order
• gag rule
• running joke/gag
• sight gag

Kids Definition

gag

1 of 2 verb

ˈgag 

gagged; gagging

1

: to prevent from speaking or crying out by or as if by stopping up the mouth

2

a

: to vomit or cause to feel like vomiting

b

: choke entry 1 sense 2

3

: to be unable to endure something : balk

4

: to tell jokes

gag

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: something thrust into the mouth especially to prevent speech or outcry

b

: a restraint on free speech

2

: something said or done to cause laughter

3

: prank