/ gaʊdʒ; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
gouge sth (in sth) to make a hole or cut in sth with a sharp object in a rough or violent way :
The lion's claws had gouged a wound in the horse's side.
He had gouged her cheek with a screwdriver.
2.
( NAmE ) to force sb to pay an unfairly high price for sth; to raise prices unfairly :
Price gouging is widespread.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- gouge sth out (of sth)
■ noun
1.
a sharp tool for making hollow areas in wood
2.
a deep, narrow hole or cut in a surface
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French , from late Latin gubia , gulbia , perhaps of Celtic origin; compare with Old Irish gulba beak and Welsh gylf beak, pointed instrument.