gouge
1 of 2verb/gaʊʤ/
Forms:gouges,gouging,gouged,gouged
1
to make a dent in something using a sharp or scooping tool
transitive- She carefully gouged a groove in the clay for the artistic design.
- A deep scar was left where the knife had gouged the table.
- The sculptor used a chisel to gouge intricate patterns in the marble.
- The heavy machinery accidentally gouged a large hole in the asphalt pavement.
- While carving the design, she accidentally gouged too much from the surface.
Synonyms:
2
to obtain something, typically money or goods, through coercion, manipulation, or unfair means
transitive- The unscrupulous landlord would gouge his tenants by constantly increasing the rent without justification.
- The unethical contractor would gouge clients by inflating the prices of materials and services.
- The dishonest mechanic would gouge customers by exaggerating repairs and charging excessively for parts.
- The scammer gouged elderly people by tricking them into paying for unnecessary home repairs.
- The loan shark gouged borrowers with exorbitant interest rates and hidden fees.
3
to tear out flesh or tissue by forcing with the thumb or a sharp object
- The attacker gouged his opponent's eye during the fight.
- The prisoner gouged his own cheek in desperation.
- The victim's eye was gouged out in the struggle.
- The attacker gouged at the flesh with brutal force.