1. present participle of gouge; to cut or scoop out material with a sharp tool or by force
2. to charge an unfairly high price; to overcharge
Usage: informal

1. the act or practice of cutting, scooping, or overcharging

Examples

• The sculptor was gouging deep lines into the wooden panel.
• He used a chisel for gouging out the decorative pattern.
• The store was accused of gouging customers on prices during the shortage.
• Gouging the eyes is a serious foul in boxing.
• The road construction involved gouging a trench through the hillside.
• Price gouging during emergencies is illegal in many states.