gagging
/ˈɡæɡɪŋ/
VERB
1. To experience the vomiting reflex
To undergo involuntary contractions of the throat or upper digestive tract, usually accompanied by choking sensations or an urge to vomit.
1.1. Retching and involuntary throat contractions
Experiencing involuntary throat or stomach contractions associated with nausea, choking, or the urge to vomit.
Synonyms
- barfing
- choking
- disgorging
- heaving
- hurling
- puking
- regurgitating
- retching
- spewing
- spitting up
- throwing up
- upchucking
- vomiting
Antonyms
- breathing
- respiring
Examples
- The smell from the garbage can had everyone gagging in disgust.
- She hurriedly covered her mouth, gagging at the taste of the bitter medicine.
- The pungent odor from the chemical spill had people gagging as they evacuated the area.
- Witnessing the gruesome scene, he found himself gagging at the sight of blood.
Related Words
- nausea
- queasiness
- retch
- heave
- vomiting
- regurgitation
- sickness
- throat contraction
VERB
2. To cause someone to heave with nausea
To make someone experience nausea or involuntary contractions of the throat and stomach that may lead to vomiting.
2.1. Causing nausea and retching
Producing an unpleasant physical reaction that makes someone feel sick, choke, or begin to retch.
Synonyms
- nauseate
- sicken
- asphyxiate
- choke
Antonyms
- soothe
Examples
- The foul odor was gagging everyone who entered the room.
- The graphic description was gagging some members of the audience.
Related Words
- disgust
- revulsion
- queasiness
- nausea
- retching
- vomiting
- sickness
VERB
3. To restrain someone's speech by blocking their mouth
To prevent someone from speaking by placing an object in or over their mouth.
3.1. Physically silencing or restraining someone
Preventing a person from speaking by covering, blocking, or restraining their mouth.
Synonyms
- muffling
- muzzling
- silencing
- smothering
- stifling
- taping up
Antonyms
- freeing
- releasing
Examples
- The kidnappers were gagging the hostage to prevent him from calling for help.
- The prisoner was gagged before being transported.
Related Words
- muzzle
- mouth restraint
- silencing
- confinement
- restraint
- suppression
- mouthpiece
VERB
4. To pry or hold something open by means of a gag
To force or keep something open using a device or implement designed to hold it apart.
4.1. Holding the mouth or an opening apart
Using a gag or similar implement to keep an opening, particularly the mouth, from closing.
Synonyms
- propping open
- holding open
Examples
- The dentist was gagging the patient's mouth open during the examination.
Related Words
VERB
5. To restrain someone's speech without using physical means
To prevent or discourage someone from speaking freely, expressing opinions, or revealing information through authority, pressure, or restrictions.
5.1. Suppressing speech and freedom of expression
Restricting someone's ability to communicate, express opinions, or disclose information through censorship, intimidation, or formal restrictions.
Synonyms
- bottling up
- constraining
- curbing
- keeping the lid on
- muffling
- muzzling
- repressing
- restraining
- shutting down
- squelching
- stifling
- suppressing
Antonyms
- allowing
- encouraging
- freeing
- releasing
- letting go
Examples
- The government was gagging journalists who criticized its policies.
- The new policy was criticized for gagging employees who wanted to report misconduct.
Related Words
- censorship
- oppression
- intimidation
- restriction
- suppression
- silencing
- freedom of speech
- freedom of expression
VERB
6. To choke or retch
To experience choking or retching movements, often because of irritation in the throat or an unpleasant substance.
6.1. Choking and retching reactions
Experiencing involuntary throat contractions or retching movements that interfere with normal swallowing or breathing.
Synonyms
- asphyxiating
- choking
- heaving
- retching
- suffocating
Antonyms
- breathing
- respiring
Examples
- The thick smoke had him gagging and coughing.
- She was gagging when the unpleasant taste reached the back of her throat.
Related Words
VERB
7. To deceive or con someone
To trick, fool, or deceive someone through misleading statements or dishonest actions.
7.1. Deceiving and fooling others
Misleading someone through dishonest behavior, false information, or a deceptive trick.
Synonyms
- fooling
- tricking
- conning
- deceiving
- duping
- bamboozling
- hoodwinking
- hoaxing
- deluding
Examples
- The dishonest dealer was gagging unsuspecting customers with misleading offers.
Related Words
- deception
- fraud
- dishonesty
- trickery
- manipulation
- scam
- misrepresentation
- con
NOUN
8. A gag motion or reflex
An involuntary movement or contraction of the throat associated with choking, nausea, or the urge to vomit.
8.1. Gag reflex and throat contractions
An involuntary physical reaction involving the throat, commonly triggered by irritation, nausea, or contact with the back of the mouth.
Synonyms
- retch
- heave
- choke
Examples
- The smell from the garbage can triggered a gagging reflex.
- The patient experienced repeated gagging during the examination.