Gag

For other meanings of the word "gag", see gag (disambiguation).

A gag is usually a device designed to prevent speech, often as a restraint device to stop the subject from calling for help. 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. They are often less effective in reality than in crime fiction. They carry a strong risk of killing the victim by suffocation. In fact, the more "effective" a gag appears to be, the more hazardous it is.

The use of gags is commonly depicted in crime fiction, frequently with fetishistic connotations. In real life, it is actually very rare for criminals to gag anyone as they do in books and films.

Gags are sometimes also used in the context of some consensual BDSM activities: for the use of gags in a BDSM context, see gag (BDSM).

All gags are dangerous. Never put one in your mouth or in the mouth of another without consent, also, do not put one in the mouth of someone who has the cold or flu or any kind of respiratory illness. A person who is gagged must never be left alone, and must be monitored for breathing problems.

The gag can also be a parliamentary procedure to end a debate.

Gag

See also