muffle

¹

[ muhf-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, muf·fled, muf·fling.

1. to wrap with something to deaden or prevent sound:

   to muffle drums.

2. to deaden (sound) by wrappings or other means.
3. to wrap or envelop in a cloak, shawl, coat, etc., especially to keep warm or protect the face and neck (often followed by up ):

   Muffle up the children before they go out.

4. to wrap (oneself) in a garment or other covering:

   muffled in silk.

5. to alter temporarily the profile of (a plaster mold) in order to run a base coat of plaster that will later be covered by a finish coat having the true profile.

noun

1. something that muffles.
2. muffled sound.
3. an oven or arched chamber in a furnace or kiln, used for heating substances without direct contact with the fire.

muffle

²

[ muhf-uhl ]

noun

1. the thick, bare part of the upper lip and nose of ruminants and rodents.

muffle

¹

/ ˈmʌfəl /

noun

1. the fleshy hairless part of the upper lip and nose in ruminants and some rodents

muffle

²

/ ˈmʌfəl /

verb

1. often foll by up to wrap up (the head) in a scarf, cloak, etc, esp for warmth
2. to deaden (a sound or noise), esp by wrapping
3. to prevent (the expression of something) by (someone)

noun

1. something that muffles
2. a kiln with an inner chamber for firing porcelain, enamel, etc, at a low temperature

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English muffelen “to veil, cover”; probably a derivative of Old French moufle “mitten”; muff

Origin of muffle²

First recorded in 1600–10; from Middle French mufle “muzzle, snout,” probably blend of moufle “chubby face” and museau muzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Origin of muffle²

C15: probably from Old French; compare Old French moufle mitten, emmouflé wrapped up

Example Sentences

But also, how that music was muffled by lethal instruments of capitalism and control, still a factor on the global stage.

From Los Angeles Times

The star's performance was beset by technical issues, which left her voice muffled and distorted for at least 30 minutes.

From BBC

Rather than free and open public forums, critics argue that social media instead offers a distorted and sensationalised mirror of public sentiment that exaggerates discord and muffles the views of the majority.

From BBC

They’re so close that you can hear the muffled sounds of their ballet shoes on the carpet and can make eye contact, which feels both intimate and mildly discomfiting.

From Los Angeles Times

The design of hearing aids muffles or blocks almost all of the natural unamplified sounds that stream into your ear canal.

From Salon

Related Words

• dampen
• deaden
• envelop
• hush
• mute
• muzzle
• soft pedal
• squelch
• stifle
• subdue
• tone down