gag
UK: ɡæɡ | US: ɡæɡ
n. 1. a piece of cloth or other material placed in or over the mouth to prevent speech or noise.
n. 2. a joke or humorous remark, especially one forming part of a comedian's act.
vt. 1. to put a gag on (someone) to silence them.
vt. 2. to choke or retch involuntarily.
The word "gag" likely originated as an onomatopoeic term, imitating the sound of choking or retching. Its earliest recorded use in English (15th century) referred to physical restraint (e.g., a cloth in the mouth), later extending metaphorically to verbal suppression ("gag order") and humor ("comic gag"). The dual meanings reflect both physical obstruction and the idea of "forced silence" being playfully subverted in comedy.
The kidnappers used a cloth to gag the hostage.
His stand-up routine included a classic gag about airport security.
The strong smell made her gag involuntarily.
The new law was seen as a gag on free speech.
The movie's visual gags had the audience laughing throughout.