gag

The word “gag” means something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out. In plain terms, something (or someone) stopping speech — literally a mouth-covering, or figuratively a legal or political silencing — or, separately, a comedy joke.

“Gag” is pronounced GAG (/ˈɡæɡ/ in IPA).

Here is “gag” used in a sentence: “The kidnappers tied a gag around his mouth.”

Words with a similar meaning to “gag” include gag order.

Depending on how it is used, “gag” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “gag” dates back to around 1860 and comes from Middle English. The noun appears in Early Modern English; the verb in Middle English. Possibly imitative in origin. The "joke" sense developed later, from the 1860s.

“Gag” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Gag” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out.

A gag is usually a short, self-contained bit of comedy written or performed for a specific comic effect, often in a script, film, or stand-up routine, while a joke is a broader term for any humorous remark or story. Gags often rely on visual or physical comedy as much as words.

A gag order is a legal or official rule that prevents public discussion of a case or issue, typically imposed by a court to protect a trial or ongoing investigation. It restricts what participants, journalists, or the public may say about the matter.

In this sense, to gag means to retch or feel an involuntary urge to vomit, usually triggered by a bad smell, taste, or sight. It describes a physical reflex rather than actual vomiting.

Yes, as a noun gag can mean a physical mouth restraint, a comedic bit, or a suppression order, while as a verb it can mean to physically prevent someone from speaking or to retch. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.