Verb
a dangerous dog that should be muzzled
attempts by the government to muzzle the press
The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In one photo officials shared, Nova wears a black muzzle and looks off into the distance while wrapped up in a blanket.—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 All the company had to do was remove a bayonet lug and stop selling folding rifle stocks and threaded muzzles.—James Bandler, ProPublica, 21 Nov. 2023 But the lawsuit said facts were omitted from the state’s report on the investigation, including that the credit card used to buy the muzzle had been lost and canceled for over a year.—Jonathan Mattise, Fortune Well, 1 Nov. 2023 Basket-style muzzles provide adequate ventilation while preventing access to poop.—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2023 Janes reports that crucial details of the weapon, like muzzle velocity and projectile weight, are being kept confidential.—Kelsey D. Atherton, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023 According to the National Park Service, Grazer is a large adult female, boasting a long straight muzzle, light brown summer fur, and blond ears.—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Oct. 2023 According to the National Park Service (NPS), 128 Grazer is a bodacious adult female bear with blonde ears and a straight muzzle.—Lizzy Rosenberg, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023 Coyotes have smaller and narrower muzzles and relatively longer ears, both of which are often reddish in color, giving them a distinctive fox-like profile.—Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 14 Sep. 2023
Verb
The honest truth is the national security law is designed to muzzle voices, it's designed to stop stories from being told.—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2023 Chutkan is hearing the January 6 case against Trump brought by special counsel Jack Smith and has decided to partially muzzle Trump with an order that is nonsensical and possibly unconstitutional.—Rich Lowry, National Review, 20 Oct. 2023 All week long, unidentified Republican Party puppet masters have muzzled House members, scrambling to portray unity in the face of the disarray emanating from today’s leaderless House GOP.—Matt Laslo, WIRED, 13 Oct. 2023 Often the mere specter of danger is enough to muzzle any dissent, Xiao said.—Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023 Bravo shot back following the accusations, saying that their NDAs are meant to keep storylines confidential, not to muzzle individuals from reporting alleged mistreatment.—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2023 Second, the legislative branch will be neutralized and GOP objectors muzzled.—Time, 12 July 2023 The incident comes as Modi tries to quell religious violence in two states governed by his party and widespread allegations about the BJP muzzling critics.—Time, 3 Aug. 2023 Alternatively, hikers who encounter Black bears should attempt to escape if possible; if not, the Park Service advises fighting back with a focus on the bear’s face or muzzle.—Teddy Grant, ABC News, 24 July 2023 See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'muzzle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus
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