mordaza
/moɾˈdaθa/feminine
The Spanish word for a gag is mordaza.
The noun mordaza refers to a joke or prank. Related to this, the verb amordazar means to restrain someone's speech.
Meaning: joke or prank (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word mordaza is derived from the verb morder, which means 'to bite'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb amordazar is used when you are performing the action of gagging someone or silencing them. Additionally, if you are referring to the physical sensation of the vomiting reflex, you should use the phrases tener arcadas or basquear.
How do you pronounce it?
/moɾˈdaθa/
Did you know?
- The word mordaza shares the same Latin root as the English word 'mordant', which refers to a substance used to fix dye to fabric.
- In Spain, the phrase ley mordaza is not just a general term but specifically refers to the controversial 2015 Citizens Security Law.
- Beyond a simple prank, the verb amordazar is often used figuratively to describe the act of silencing someone's truth or preventing them from speaking out.
Examples in context
- Los bandidos le pusieron una mordaza en la boca.The bandits put a gag in his mouth.This sentence shows the use of mordaza as a physical object.Tatoeba #2253518 by hayastan, translation #2253517 by _undertoad
- ¿Sacamos una mordaza?Shall we pull a gag?This sentence uses mordaza in the context of a joke or prank.Tatoeba #5709068 by albrusgher, translation #2018156 by halfb1t
- El objeto obstruyó su respiraciónThe object obstructed their breathing
- Le hizo una broma pesada a su amigoHe played a heavy-handed gag on his friend
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are watching a comedy show.
- ElenaMira, Alejandro, ¡qué buena mordaza!Look, Alejandro, what a great gag!
- AlejandroSí, no me lo esperaba.Yes, I wasn't expecting it.
- ElenaEs la mejor mordaza del programa.It is the best gag of the show.
- AlejandroEstoy de acuerdo contigo, Elena.I agree with you, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gag” translations and entries mordaza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mordaza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
