gag

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a piece of cloth or a device put into or over a person's mouth to stop them from speaking.

n. a physical object, such as a cloth or strap, used to obstruct the mouth and prevent vocalization.

“The kidnappers used a silk scarf as a gag to keep the victim quiet.”

“In the thriller, the protagonist managed to loosen the gag and shout for help just as the guard turned away.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. a legal order that prevents people from talking about a specific topic or court case.

n. a judicial or administrative order, often termed a 'gag order', that prohibits the public disclosure of information regarding a case.

“The judge issued a gag order to prevent the lawyers from talking to the press.”

“The government imposed a gag on the media to prevent the leak of sensitive national security information during the trial.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine

v. to feel as if you are about to vomit, often because of a bad smell or taste.

v. to experience a contraction of the throat or a vomiting reflex without actually vomiting.

“The smell of the rotting garbage made him gag as he walked past.”

“The patient began to gag when the doctor attempted to insert the tongue depressor for the examination.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to stop someone from speaking or expressing their opinion.

v. to prevent someone from exercising free speech or expressing an opinion, either physically or through intimidation.

“The new laws were designed to gag the opposition party before the election.”

“Critics argued that the restrictive contract was an attempt to gag former employees from reporting safety violations.”

C2 · Proficiency Slang

v. to surprise someone so much that they cannot speak.

v. to leave someone speechless or astonished, often used in the context of fashion or performance.

“Her dramatic new look is going to gag everyone at the party.”

“The drag queen's final reveal was so unexpected that it truly gagged the entire audience.”