Gagging: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has a reflex reaction in their throat, usually to something unpleasant in taste, sight or smell, but not necessarily leading to vomiting.

• The smell was so bad that she started gagging.
• He was gagging after taking a sip of the spoiled milk.

Used in situations where someone's airway is blocked, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. Can be life-threatening.

• She started choking on a piece of steak.
• He was choking and couldn't speak or breathe until they performed the Heimlich maneuver.

Used to describe the sound and movements associated with the effort to vomit but not actually producing vomit. Has a more intense and negative connotation than gagging.

• Even the thought of eating more made him start retching.
• She couldn't stop retching after the bad smell hit her.

Often used to describe repetitive movements of the chest or body as someone is about to vomit, but not necessarily resulting in actual vomiting.

• He was heaving over the toilet after drinking too much.
• The sight of the rotting food had him heaving.

Often used to describe a reflex or feeling of wanting to vomit, usually due to an unpleasant taste or smell. It can also mean being choked or restrained in some situations.

• The smell of the rotten food had him gagging.
• She was gagging from the overly spicy curry.

Making humorous comments or actions to make others laugh, often in a casual or informal situation.

• He was joking about his clumsiness to lighten the mood.
• They love joking around during lunch breaks.

Provoking or making fun of someone, usually in a playful way, but it can sometimes have a negative connotation if it goes too far or is not well-received.

• They were teasing him about his new haircut.
• She kept teasing her brother for his crush.

Refers to playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks, often among friends or in a social setting.

• They enjoyed bantering with each other during the game.
• The office environment was light with employees bantering about their weekend plans.