Muzzle- Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Etymology (2024)

To place a device or covering over the mouth or snout of an animal or person, typically to prevent them from biting, barking, or speaking.
"The new legislation is said to muzzle the press by imposing stringent regulations."

It involves restraining or controlling the movement or sound produced by the mouth or snout. Muzzling can be done using various materials such as cloth, leather, or specialized devices designed specifically for animals. This action is commonly employed for safety purposes, particularly in situations where an animal may pose a risk of aggression or harm. Muzzling can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of silencing or suppressing someone's speech or expression. It implies a form of restraint or control over the verbal or vocal communication of an individual. The verb "muzzle" can denote both a physical action of covering the mouth and a figurative action of restricting or limiting speech or expression.

1. The city ordinance requires dog owners to muzzle their pets in public places.
2. The handler will muzzle the aggressive dog before taking it to the vet.
3. Without a way to muzzle the loud machine, workers wore earplugs to protect their hearing.
4. Before entering the park, please make sure to muzzle any breed that can be potentially aggressive.
5. The law seemed to muzzle free speech by putting too many restrictions on public protests.
6. To muzzle the chatter during the performance, the director placed a sign requesting silence.

The verb 'muzzle' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'musel,' which referred to a covering or restraint placed over the mouth of an animal, particularly a dog. This Middle English term likely developed from the Old French word 'musel,' which also meant a muzzle or snout covering. The Old French term itself was derived from the Late Latin 'musellum,' a diminutive form of 'musus,' meaning 'snout' or 'nose.' The verb 'muzzle,' as it is used today, involves placing a device or covering over the mouth or snout of an animal or person to prevent them from biting, barking, or speaking. The etymology of 'muzzle' thus underscores its historical association with the protection and restraint of an animal's snout, reflecting the word's evolution from Latin to French and finally to English.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb muzzle:

Try Again!

Correct!

1. They need to muzzle the fan because it's making an unbearable squeaking noise.
2. The zookeeper will muzzle the lion during the medical examination.
3. You shouldn’t muzzle your emotions; it’s healthy to express how you feel.
4. The trainer taught us how to properly muzzle a horse to prevent it from biting.
5. The mother told her son not to muzzle his creativity and to paint whatever he wanted.
6. The factory owner installed soundproof walls to muzzle the noise from the machinery.
7. The governor tried to muzzle opposition by limiting their access to media.
8. As part of safety measures, they had to muzzle the police dog during the community event.
9. The dog owner decided to muzzle his aggressive pit bull at the park.
10. She had to muzzle the chatty toddler during the movie.
11. The protestor refused to let the police muzzle his freedom of speech.
12. The vet recommended using a muzzle for the anxious German Shepherd.
13. He tried to muzzle his laughter during the serious meeting.
14. The muzzle prevented the dog from barking at the mail carrier.
15. The muzzle kept the dangerous criminal from shouting for help.
16. To avoid accidents, always muzzle your aggressive dog in public.
17. The protesters refused to let the authorities muzzle their voices.
18. She used a muzzle to stop her parrot from squawking all night.
19. The court ordered him to muzzle his aggressive Rottweiler.
20. He felt compelled to muzzle his political opinions at the family dinner.
21. The zookeepers had to muzzle the unruly baboon during feeding time.
22. They used a muzzle to control the aggressive horse at the rodeo.
23. The manager had to muzzle the employee who kept divulging secrets.
24. The muzzle prevented the dog from nipping at the groomer.
25. He chose to muzzle his criticism of the new company policy.
26. The authorities attempted to muzzle the whistleblower's disclosures.
27. She quickly grabbed a muzzle to calm the ferocious Doberman.
28. The teacher had to muzzle the noisy classroom during the exam.