Definition

The process of feeding a person or animal by putting food directly into the stomach through a tube.

Example

The veterinarian explained that gavage is sometimes necessary for sick animals that cannot eat on their own.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of gavage in medical treatments?

Yeah, I think it’s when they use a tube to feed someone, right?

Exactly! It's often used for patients who can’t eat on their own.

That sounds pretty intense; I hope it's done carefully.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gavage comes from the French word 'gaver', meaning to force-feed, which is derived from the Old French 'gaver', meaning to stuff or to fill. The word 'gavage' refers specifically to the act of force-feeding, particularly in the context of fattening animals for food.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word 'gaver', which means to stuff or fill, to remember that 'gavage' refers to the act of force-feeding.

Visually Confused Words