gag

[[t]gæ̱g[/t]]

gags, gagging, gagged

1) N-COUNT A gag is something such as a piece of cloth that is tied around or put inside someone's mouth in order to stop them from speaking.

His captors had put a gag of thick leather in his mouth.

2) VERB If someone gags you, they tie a piece of cloth around your mouth in order to stop you from speaking or shouting.

[V n] I gagged him with a towel.

3) VERB (disapproval) If a person is gagged by someone in authority, they are prevented from expressing their opinion or from publishing certain information.

[be V-ed] Judges must not be gagged. [Also V n]

4) VERB If you gag, you cannot swallow and nearly vomit.

I knelt by the toilet and gagged.

Syn:

retch, heave

5) N-COUNT: usu with supp A gag is a joke. [INFORMAL]

...a gag about policemen giving evidence in court.

Syn:

joke

6) VERB: only cont If you say that someone is gagging for something or is gagging to do something, you are emphasizing that they want to have it or do it very much. [INFORMAL]

[V for n] Girls everywhere are gagging for a car like this...

[V to-inf] There are thousands of students absolutely gagging to come to this university.