One example of a practical joke is to completely block someones doorway while he/she is in the room.

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A practical joke or prank is a stunt or trick to purposely make someone feel foolish or victimized usually for humor. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out or is let in on the joke rather than being fooled into handing over money or other valuables. Since pranks are made to make people feel foolish or victimized there is an inherent strain of cruelty in most practical jokes. There is a thin line between practical jokes and hooliganism bullying vandalism and sadism.

The term "practical" refers to the fact that the joke consists of someone doing something rather than a verbal or written joke. A practical joke can be caused by the victim falling for a prank the victim stumbling into a prank the prankster forcing a prank on the victim the prankster causing others to do something to the victim or even causing the victim to do something to others. Sometimes more than one victim is used.

In Western culture April Fools Day is a day traditionally dedicated to performing practical jokes. Another day common for pranks and practical jokes is Halloween in the form of trick or treating.