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)

Other Word Forms

• muzzler 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

If successfully implemented, the Orbánization of America would chill civil rights and liberties, muzzle the press, erode free and fair elections and impose full-on White Christian authoritarian rule.

From Salon

All this glee misses the real measuring contest that’s going on, which is about who has enough wealth and will to fend off this administration’s efforts to muzzle criticism.

From Salon

On June 13, Whitson allegedly pushed one of the sheriff’s horses several times, hit the animal’s muzzle and pulled on its reins.

From Los Angeles Times

Greyeyes also gets the movie’s two flashiest fight scenes, one involving a crucifixion, another lit only by muzzle fire.

From Los Angeles Times

The shadow cast by self-interested billionaires grows larger by the day, muzzling any truth that conflicts with their bottom line.

From Salon

Related Words

• censor 
• choke 
• clamp down on 
• crack down on www.thesaurus.com
• muffle 
• repress 
• restrain 
• squelch 
• stifle 
• suppress