gag

¹gag

verb \ˈgag\

gaggedgag·ging

Definition of GAG

transitive verb

1

a : to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting a gag

b : to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression

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

3

: to make quips

— gag·ger noun

Examples of GAG

1. The government is trying to gag the press.
2. <the terrible smell of rotting fish made me gag>

Origin of GAG

Middle English gaggen to strangle, of imitative origin

First Known Use: 1509

Related to GAG

Synonyms

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

Related Words

disgorge, regurgitate; eject, expel; nauseate

Near Antonyms

breathe, respire; expire, inspire

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Rhymes with GAG

ag, bag, brag, crag, dag, drag, fag, flag, hag, jag, lag, mag, nag, quag, rag, sag, scag, scrag, shag, slag, snag, sprag, stag, swag, tag, wag, YAG, zag

²gag

noun

Definition of GAG

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

Examples of GAG

1. The movie relies on simpleminded gags for laughs.
2. They hid his clothes as a gag.
3. They tied up the hostages and put gags in their mouths.
4. The government is trying to put a gag on the press.

First Known Use of GAG

1530

Related to GAG

Synonyms

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

Related Words

funning, joking, wisecracking; knee-slapper, panic [slang], riot, scream, thigh-slapper; antic, buffoonery, caper, leg-pull, monkeyshine(s), practical joke, prank, trick; burlesque, caricature, lampoon, mock, mockery, parody, put-on, riff; banter, kidding, persiflage, raillery, repartee; drollness, facetiousness, funniness, hilariousness, humorousness; comedy, humor, wit, wordplay

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany