Muzzle
'mʌzəl
Definitions
3 meaningsA device, typically made of leather or metal, placed over an animal's mouth and nose to prevent it from biting or eating.
'mʌzəl
A covering placed over an animal's mouth and nose.
The dog's owner put a muzzle on him at the park.
💡 Simply: Imagine a dog who likes to nibble! A muzzle is like a little cage around its mouth to keep it from biting people or getting into things.
👶 For kids: A muzzle is like a mask for a dog's mouth to help keep them from biting.
More Examples
The vet used a muzzle to examine the nervous animal.
For safety, the guard dog always wears a muzzle.
How It's Used
"The dog wore a muzzle to prevent biting."
"The vet placed a muzzle on the cat during the examination."
The projecting part of the face of an animal, including the nose and jaws.
'mʌzəl
The projecting part of the face of an animal, including the nose and mouth.
The dog nudged my hand with its muzzle.
💡 Simply: Imagine a dog's face! The muzzle is the part of the dog's face that sticks out—the nose and mouth area.
👶 For kids: The muzzle is the part of an animal's face that has its mouth and nose.
More Examples
The horse's muzzle was wet from drinking water.
The cat rubbed its muzzle against my leg to greet me.
How It's Used
"The lion's muzzle was covered in blood after the hunt."
"The horse's muzzle twitched as it smelled the hay."
To prevent someone from expressing their opinions or ideas freely; to censor or silence.
'mʌzəl
To prevent someone from expressing their opinions freely.
The new laws were seen as an attempt to muzzle free speech.
💡 Simply: When you 'muzzle' someone, it means you stop them from speaking their mind or saying what they think. Like putting a muzzle on a dog, you're trying to keep them from making any noise (or opinions).
👶 For kids: To muzzle someone means to stop them from talking or sharing their ideas.
More Examples
The editor was accused of muzzling the journalists on certain topics.
The company tried to muzzle employees from speaking to the media.
How It's Used
"The government was accused of muzzling the press."
"Some critics believe the company attempted to muzzle its employees from discussing the issue."
Idioms & expressions
gag order
A legal order restricting the release of information or the ability to speak publicly about a case.
"The judge issued a gag order to prevent prejudicial information from being released."
From Middle English *musel*, from Old French *musel*, diminutive of *mus* ("mouth, snout"), from Latin *musus* ("snout").
Used in historical texts to describe the physical restraint of animals and, metaphorically, to restrict freedom of speech.
Memory tip
Think of the 'muzzle' on a dog; it's the thing that stops it from biting.
Word Origin
"mouth"