gouge
UK: ɡaʊdʒ | US: ɡaʊdʒ
n. 1. A chisel with a concave blade, used for cutting grooves or holes.
n. 2. A groove or hole made by gouging.
vt. 1. To cut or scoop out with a gouge or similar tool.
vt. 2. (Informal) To extort or overcharge someone.
The word "gouge" traces back to the Old French gouge, meaning a chisel or scooping tool, derived from Late Latin gubia (a type of chisel). The term retained its core meaning of cutting or scooping, later expanding metaphorically to describe financial exploitation ("gouging prices"). The tool's physical action (forceful removal) logically extended to the idea of unfair extraction.
The sculptor used a gouge to carve intricate details into the wood.
The mechanic gouged a hole in the metal sheet to fit the pipe.
After the storm, the river had gouged deep channels in the landscape.
(Informal) The hotel gouged tourists during the holiday season.
The fraudster was arrested for gouging money from elderly victims.