gag

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a piece of cloth that is put over or in sb's mouth to stop them speaking 2 an order that prevents sth from being publicly reported or discussed: a press gag * a gag rule / order (= one made by a court of law) 3 (informal) a joke or a funny story, especially one told by a professional COMEDIAN: to tell / crack a gag * a running gag (= one that is regularly repeated during a performance) 4 (especially AmE) a trick you play on sb: It was just a gag-we didn't mean to upset anyone. verb (-gg-) 1 [VN] to put a piece of cloth in or over sb's mouth to prevent them from speaking or shouting: The hostages were bound and gagged. 2 [VN] to prevent sb from speaking freely or expressing their opinion: The new laws are seen as an attempt to gag the press. 3 [V] ~ (on sth) to have the unpleasant feeling in your mouth and stomach as if you are going to VOMIT SYNRETCH: She gagged on the blood that filled her mouth. * The stench of rotting meat made him gag.