The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word GAGGING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
G
A
G
G
I
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Stopping/making jokes?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stopping/making jokes? = gagging.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GAGGING mean?
GAGGING verb- To experience the vomiting reflex.
- To cause to heave with nausea.
- To restrain someone's speech by blocking his or her mouth.
- To pry or hold open by means of a gag.
- To restrain someone's speech without using physical means.
- To choke; to retch.
- To deceive (someone); to con.
- A gag motion or reflex.