muzzle

¹muz·zle

noun \ˈmə-zəl\

Definition of MUZZLE

1

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

2

a : a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

b : something (as censorship) that restrains normal expression

3

: the open end of an implement; especially : the discharging end of a weapon

Illustration of MUZZLE

Origin of MUZZLE

Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, rapier

Rhymes with MUZZLE

guzzle, nuzzle, puzzle

²muzzle

transitive verb

muz·zledmuz·zling \ˈməz-liŋ, ˈmə-zə-\

Definition of MUZZLE

1

: to fit with a muzzle

2

a : gag <muzzled the regime's critics>

b : restrain, restrict <the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access — Joe Strupp> <the low prices muzzled competition>

— muz·zler \-lər\ noun

Examples of MUZZLE

1. a dangerous dog that should be muzzled
2. attempts by the government to muzzle the press
3. The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.

First Known Use of MUZZLE

15th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with MUZZLE

puzzle