Gavage for foie gras production is illegal in many countries and regions (including the UK, Germany, and California) due to animal welfare laws. However, medical and veterinary gavage is legal and essential.

What is the origin of the word 'gavage'?

It comes from French, from the verb 'gaver', meaning 'to force-feed' (especially poultry), which is of uncertain origin.

Is gavage only for animals?

No. While famously used in animal husbandry, 'gavage' is also the correct medical term for tube-feeding humans who cannot swallow, often via a nasogastric (NG) tube.

Why is gavage for foie gras considered cruel?

Animal welfare advocates argue it causes physical distress (injury, difficulty breathing), psychological stress from force-feeding, and leads to pathological liver enlargement (hepatic steatosis).

Is “gavage” formal?

Gavage is usually specialized/technical in register.

How do you pronounce “gavage”?

Gavage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæv.ɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈvɑːʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

gavage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Rare

UK/ˈɡæv.ɑːʒ/US/ɡəˈvɑːʒ/

Specialized/Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “gavage” mean?

The act of feeding a person or animal, especially a baby or a livestock animal, by means of a tube passed through the mouth or nose into the stomach.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The act of feeding a person or animal, especially a baby or a livestock animal, by means of a tube passed through the mouth or nose into the stomach.

The process of force-feeding, especially used in poultry farming for foie gras production. In medicine, it refers to enteral tube feeding.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term is understood similarly but used primarily in specific technical circles (veterinary, medical, food production). The ethical debate around foie gras is prominent in both cultures.

Connotations

Strongly negative for many due to association with animal welfare concerns in foie gras production. Neutral to positive in life-saving medical contexts.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general language, but recognized within relevant technical fields.

Grammar

How to Use “gavage” in a Sentence

[verb] gavage (on an animal)[subject] undergoes gavageThe practice of gavage

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

force-feedingfoie grastube feedingpoultry farming

medium

practise gavageundergo gavagemedical gavagecruelty of gavage

weak

animal gavageprocess of gavageagainst gavage

Examples

Examples of “gavage” in a Sentence

verb

British English

Farmers must not gavage ducks for an extended period under UK law.
The vet will gavage the sick owl with a nutrient solution.

American English

The state has banned the practice of gavaging geese for foie gras.
In critical care, nurses may need to gavage a patient.

adverb

British English

Not applicable. 'Gavage' is not used as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable. 'Gavage' is not used as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The gavage method is highly controversial among animal rights groups.
A specialised gavage tube is used for the procedure.

American English

Gavage feeding practices are under legislative review.
They discussed the ethics of gavage production.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in the context of the foie gras industry and its associated ethical marketing.

Academic

Used in veterinary science, animal welfare studies, medical nutrition, and agricultural ethics papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation except when discussing animal rights or specific medical procedures.

Technical

Standard term in veterinary medicine for administering nutrition/medication via tube, and in poultry science for foie gras production.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “gavage”

Strong

force-feeding

Neutral

tube feedingforced feeding

Weak

enteral feedingartificial feeding

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “gavage”

voluntary eatingself-feedingnatural feeding

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “gavage”

Mispronouncing it as /ˈɡeɪ.vɪdʒ/ or /ɡəˈveɪdʒ/.
Using it as a general synonym for 'feeding'.
Misspelling as 'gavarge' or 'gavadge'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Gavage for foie gras production is illegal in many countries and regions (including the UK, Germany, and California) due to animal welfare laws. However, medical and veterinary gavage is legal and essential.
: It comes from French, from the verb 'gaver', meaning 'to force-feed' (especially poultry), which is of uncertain origin.
: No. While famously used in animal husbandry, 'gavage' is also the correct medical term for tube-feeding humans who cannot swallow, often via a nasogastric (NG) tube.
: Animal welfare advocates argue it causes physical distress (injury, difficulty breathing), psychological stress from force-feeding, and leads to pathological liver enlargement (hepatic steatosis).
: The act of feeding a person or animal, especially a baby or a livestock animal, by means of a tube passed through the mouth or nose into the stomach.
: Gavage is usually specialized/technical in register.
: Gavage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæv.ɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈvɑːʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None. The term is too technical for idiomatic use.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a GAVe being forced down a duck's throat for its Gavage. (GAVe + age = Gavage).

Conceptual Metaphor

FEEDING IS FORCING (in the foie gras context) / FEEDING IS MEDICAL CARE (in the human/veterinary context).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The production of foie gras traditionally involves the of geese or ducks.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'gavage' MOST likely to be used positively?