Gouge
/ɡaʊdʒ/
nounverbB2
Definition
As a noun, gouge is a deep, rough cut or hole made by pushing or scraping something sharp into a surface. As a verb, it means to make that kind of deep cut or hole. It can also mean to unfairly charge a very high price for something, especially when people need it.
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See It in Action
A deep cut or hole made by scraping or digging
- •The carpenter made a gouge in the wood while fixing the table.
- •There was a gouge on the car’s door from a sharp object.
- •The ice skater left a gouge in the ice with her blade.
To make a deep cut or hole by scraping or digging
- •He gouged the wood with his chisel to make a pattern.
- •The dog’s claws gouged the floor during play.
- •The storm gouged deep holes into the soft earth.
To charge someone too much money unfairly
- •Some stores gouged customers during the storm by raising prices a lot.
- •The mechanic gouged me with an expensive bill for a small repair.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gouge" like "cut" (A1 word), but much deeper and rougher, like a big hole instead of a small line
- ✓Picture a strong tool digging a deep groove into wood or stone, leaving a clear, rough mark
- ✓It's the feeling when you accidentally scratch your favorite table deeply and feel upset about the damage
- ✓Sounds like "gouge" → imagine "ouch!" when you make a painful deep cut by mistake
- ✓In stories, a villain might gouge a mark to show damage or hurt someone’s property badly
- ✓NOT like "scratch" (small, light mark), gouge is a big, deep, and often rough cut
- ✓NOT like "cut" (can be shallow or smooth), gouge is forceful and leaves rough edges
- ✓When used about money, NOT like "charge" (normal price), gouge means charging too much unfairly, like taking advantage of people
- ✓Gouging money is like digging deep into someone’s wallet without care
Try Other Words
- •Scratch: a small, light mark made by scraping (Use when the damage is light and not deep)
- •Carve: to cut shapes or designs into something (Use when the cutting is careful and artistic, not rough or deep damage)
- •Chip: a small piece broken off from a surface (Use when the surface breaks but not deeply cut)
- •Overcharge: to ask for too much money (Use when talking about unfairly high prices)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "gouge" is a simple root word
- •Etymology: From Old French "gouge," meaning a chisel or gouge tool used for cutting wood
- •Historical development: Originally meant the tool for cutting; later also meant the cut or hole made by that tool
- •Modern usage: Used both as a noun for the cut/hole and as a verb for making the cut; also used in business to describe unfairly high prices
Reflect & Connect
•When might it be important to avoid gouging a surface, and when might gouging be useful or intentional?
•How does the meaning of gouge change when we talk about money instead of physical damage?
Fill in the blanks
1.The deep gouge in the table was caused by a ___ tool hitting the surface.
2.During the storm, some shops gouged customers by raising prices ___.
3.Unlike a small scratch, a gouge is ___ and leaves rough edges.
4.The artist gouged the wood carefully to ___ a beautiful design.
5.When someone gouges you for money, they charge ___ than fair.
6.The dog’s claws gouged the floor because it was ___ and strong.
7.A gouge is more serious damage than a ___ or a chip on the surface.