muzzle

[ muhz-uhl ]

noun

1. the mouth, or end for discharge, of the barrel of a gun, pistol, etc.
2. the projecting part of the head of an animal, including jaws, mouth, and nose.
3. a device, usually an arrangement of straps or wires, placed over an animal's mouth to prevent the animal from biting, eating, etc.

verb (used with object)

muzzled, muzzling.

1. to put a muzzle on (an animal or its mouth) so as to prevent biting, eating, etc.
2. to restrain from speech, the expression of opinion, etc.:

   The censors muzzled the press.

   Synonyms: suppress, still, quiet, silence

3. Nautical. to attach the cable to the stock of (an anchor) by means of a light line to permit the anchor to be pulled loose readily.

muzzle

/ ˈmʌzəl /

noun

1. the projecting part of the face, usually the jaws and nose, of animals such as the dog and horse
2. a guard or strap fitted over an animal's nose and jaws to prevent it biting or eating
3. the front end of a gun barrel

verb

1. to prevent from being heard or noticed

   to muzzle the press

2. to put a muzzle on (an animal)
3. to take in (a sail)

Derived Forms

• ˈmuzzler, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of muzzle¹

1350–1400; Middle English musel < Middle French < Medieval Latin mūsellum, diminutive of mūsum snout < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of muzzle¹

C15 mosel, from Old French musel, diminutive of muse snout, from Medieval Latin mūsus, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

I notice two guests, both with their eyes closed, yawning as Cowboy rubs his muzzle along the fence.

From Los Angeles Times

After a brief conversation through the chain link fence, Matt says he'd be happy to continue the conversation in the field, provided Doug is muzzled and under Lily's partner Hayden's control at a distance.

From BBC

The US singer's spoken before about being comfortable pushing boundaries, telling the BBC "I'd be more successful if I wore a muzzle" after making headlines last year.

From BBC

It added XL bullies "must be registered, microchipped, neutered and kept muzzled and on a lead in public and have third party insurance with The Dogs Trust".

From BBC

The 32-year-old attended a voluntary police interview the same month and was given a caution with conditions including to keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public places.

From BBC

Related Words

• censor
• choke
• clamp down on
• crack down on
• muffle
• repress
• restrain
• squelch
• stifle
• suppress