Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index A gag is a device designed to prevent speech. This is usually done by blocking the mouth, partially or completely, or attempting to prevent the tongue, lips, or jaw from moving in the normal patterns of speech. Gagging someone is highly risky, as it involves a substantial risk of asphyxia, both from the gag itself, and also from choking or vomiting and being unable to clear the airway. In practice, simple gags do not restrict communication much; however, this means that gags that are effective enough to prevent communication are generally also potentially effective at restricting breathing, and therefore potentially lethal. Gags that prevent communication may also prevent the communication of distress that might otherwise prevent injury or death. The word "gag" is also used as an intransitive verb to describe the feeling of choking. See gag reflex. The term "gagging writ" is used in law to describe a writ taken out with an intent to prevent speech. Dentists also use the word "gag" as a technical term for a device used to hold the mouth open, such as a Jennings gag or a Whitehead gag. A gag order is a court order restricting information or comment by the participants involved in a lawsuit. See also: Scold's bridle Ball gag Ring gag Bit gag A "gag" is also a comedian's term for a joke. This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.