gag
IPA
Dictionary definition of gag
To prevent someone from speaking or expressing their thoughts, often by using physical force or intimidation.
"The oppressive regime sought to gag the voices of dissent."
Detailed meaning of gag
It implies the stifling or silencing of someone's voice or opinion. "Gag" can also mean to experience a sensation of choking or retching, usually as a result of something being lodged in the throat or mouth. This can occur due to physical obstruction or an unpleasant taste or smell. In the realm of comedy, "gag" is used to describe a joke, trick, or humorous performance intended to elicit laughter or amusement from an audience. Comedians often incorporate gags into their routines to entertain and provoke laughter. Overall, the verb "gag" encompasses the ideas of choking or retching, silencing or restraining someone, and employing comedic elements to generate amusement.
Example sentences containing gag
1. The dictator's regime would gag anyone who dared to criticize the government.
2. The company tried to gag its employees from speaking out about workplace harassment.
3. The powerful politician attempted to gag his political opponents.
4. The government's censorship laws aimed to gag freedom of speech.
5. The corrupt businessman attempted to gag the whistleblower with threats.
6. The journalist faced legal repercussions for refusing to be gagged.
History and etymology of gag
The verb 'gag,' in the context of preventing someone from speaking or expressing their thoughts, has an interesting etymology. It originates from the Old French word 'gagier,' which meant 'to jest' or 'to play tricks.' This Old French term is believed to have its roots in the Middle English word 'gaggen,' which meant 'to suffocate' or 'to strangle.' Over time, the meaning of 'gag' evolved to include the notion of silencing or suppressing speech, often by using physical force or intimidation. This shift in meaning reflects the idea that preventing someone from speaking can figuratively suffocate or strangle their ability to communicate. The etymology of 'gag' thus highlights its historical connection to the act of silencing or suppressing speech, even though its origins are rooted in playful jests and tricks.
Further usage examples of gag
1. The authorities used intimidation tactics to try and gag the protesters.
2. The organization filed a lawsuit against the attempt to gag their spokesperson.
3. The dictator's regime imposed strict laws to gag the media and control the narrative.
4. The whistleblower's identity was protected to prevent any attempts to gag them.
5. The company's nondisclosure agreement was used to gag former employees.
6. The investigative journalist faced constant threats in an attempt to gag her.
7. The government's attempts to gag the opposition only fueled the protests.
8. The court ruling was seen as an attempt to gag freedom of expression.
9. He tried to gag her during the argument, but she refused to stay silent.
10. The kidnappers used a cloth to gag the hostage and muffle her cries.
11. They attempted to gag the whistleblower, but the truth eventually came out.
12. The dictator's regime brutally gags any form of dissent.
13. She used tape to gag her captor and make her escape.
14. Freedom of speech should never be gagged by oppressive governments.
15. The court ordered the defendant not to gag the witness.
16. The oppressive regime seeks to gag the media and control information.
17. It's essential to protect the right to speak freely without fear of being gagged.
18. The hostage managed to gag her captor and call for help.
19. The bullies tried to gag the shy student to silence their complaints.
20. Gagging protesters is a violation of their constitutional rights.
21. He threatened to gag anyone who dared to criticize his actions.
22. The authoritarian government seeks to gag online dissent.
23. The kidnapper used a handkerchief to gag the terrified victim.
24. The activists refused to be gagged and continued to speak out.
25. Attempting to gag the truth only leads to greater public outcry.
26. Gagging witnesses is illegal and obstructs justice.
27. The journalist refused to be gagged and exposed corruption.
28. Gagging free speech is a dangerous precedent for any society.
silence, articulate, express, speak
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Guile and Duplicity, Cause and Effect, Obstacles and Hardships, Dominance and Dissent, Denial and Defiance, Gloom and Unpleasantness, Compliance and Submission
choke,curb,inhibit,muzzle,restrain,smother,stifle,suffocate,suppress
eb68db_840c42a207e448a1a16b770678438058.mp3
muffle,retch,silence
