Gagged

To gag someone means to physically prevent them from speaking, typically by placing something over their mouth. Figuratively, it can also describe suppressing free speech or expression. As a past participle, 'gagged' describes the state of having been silenced or the action of imposing silence. The act implies a forceful and often involuntary restriction of communication, whether literally or metaphorically. It may involve tying, covering, or otherwise obstructing the mouth or vocalization. The implications often include intimidation, coercion, or censorship.

Gagged meaning with examples

• The kidnappers gagged their victim with duct tape to keep her from alerting anyone to their presence. The silence of the house was unnerving. The tape felt cold and tight on her skin as she thought of her children. This was all the kidnappers wanted.
• Protesters felt the new law effectively gagged their right to assemble and voice their dissent. The government attempted to control all of the conversations and debates and the people had to make a decision to fight back. The media began to take a closer look into the government and the rules.
• The comedian was gagged by the network after making controversial jokes on air. They were now restricted from all of the networks and could not even make any jokes anywhere, ever again. They would have to find a new job, something much less exciting.
• After the scandal broke, the company gagged its employees with strict non-disclosure agreements, forbidding them from speaking to the press. No one was allowed to know of the problem. They hoped it would go away. But things always seem to get worse.