Vocabulary word Gouge - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

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Dictionary Definition of gouge

To forcefully and often aggressively cut, dig, or extract material from a surface or object.
"He used a spoon to gouge out the soft flesh of the avocado."

Detailed Meaning of Gouge

When used in a literal sense, 'gouge' refers to the act of making a deep, rough, or crude cut or indentation into a solid material, often with a sharp tool or instrument. It implies a forceful and deliberate action that results in a noticeable groove or cavity. 'Gouge' can also describe the act of digging or scooping out material, particularly from a surface or container. In this context, it implies a forceful and deliberate extraction of material, typically with the intention of creating a hole or cavity. Additionally, 'gouge' can be used metaphorically to describe actions or behaviors that exploit or take advantage of someone, particularly in a financial or dishonest manner. It implies an unfair or excessive extraction of resources, money, or information from another party. Overall, 'gouge' encompasses the notions of forcefully cutting, digging, or extracting material, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

Example Sentences for Gouge

1. Using his pocket knife, he began to gouge a hole in the coconut.
2. The chef would carefully gouge the apple to make decorative shapes.
3. Archaeologists would use small tools to gently gouge the soil around ancient artifacts.
4. The miner used a pickaxe to gouge the rocky wall, searching for gems.
5. As a pumpkin carver, he had to gouge the pumpkin's tough outer shell to create his design.
6. You need to gouge the cork out of the bottle carefully, so it doesn't fall inside.

Origin and Etymology of Gouge

The verb 'gouge' has an etymology that can be traced back to the Old French word 'gouge,' which means a chisel or a scoop. The Old French term itself likely originated from the Late Latin word 'gubia,' which also meant a chisel or a tool used for cutting or scooping. The root of 'gouge' can be further traced to the Greek word 'gopia,' which means a curved or hollow instrument, particularly for scooping or cutting. Over time, 'gouge' evolved in the English language to refer to the action of forcefully and often aggressively cutting, digging, or extracting material from a surface or object, reflecting its historical association with chisels and scoops used for such purposes.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb gouge:

excavate

restore

repair

fill

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Gouge

1. With precision, the jeweler would gouge tiny patterns into the surface of the metal.
2. The children used sticks to gouge their names into the wet cement.
3. Woodworkers often gouge the surface of their pieces to add character and texture.
4. He used a sturdy spoon to gouge the avocado's pit out.
5. Artists who sculpt ice must gouge the frozen blocks carefully to avoid cracking them.
6. With a quick flick of his wrist, the chef would gouge the eyes from the potato.
7. The surgeon will gouge the infected tissue to prevent the infection from spreading.
8. The dentist uses a special tool to gouge plaque and tartar off of patients' teeth.
9. To ensure the new piece adheres properly, you'll need to gouge the excess glue off the surface.
10. Using a trowel, the gardener would gouge a hole in the soil for each new seedling.
11. The craftsman would carefully gouge designs into the leather, creating unique patterns.
12. The woodpecker would repeatedly gouge the tree's bark to get to the insects beneath.
13. The sculptor used a chisel to gouge away the excess stone, revealing the form within.
14. To create a fireplace in the dollhouse, she would need to gouge a section out of the miniature wall.