muzzle

Plural: muzzles

Noun

• the open circular discharging end of a gun
• forward projecting part of the head of certain animals; includes the jaws and nose
• a leather or wire restraint that fits over an animal's snout (especially a dog's nose and jaws) and prevents it from eating or biting
• restraint put into a person's mouth to prevent speaking or shouting
• The protruding part of an animal's head which includes the nose, mouth and jaws.
• A person's mouth.
• A device used to prevent an animal from biting or eating, which is worn on its snout.
• The mouth or the end for entrance or discharge of a gun, pistol etc., that the bullet emerges from.
• A piece of the forward end of the plow-beam by which the traces are attached.
• An openwork covering for the nose, used for the defense of the horse, and forming part of the bards in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Verb

Verb Forms: muzzled, muzzling, muzzles

• To prevent biting or eating by covering the mouth.
• fit with a muzzle
  • "muzzle the dog to prevent it from biting strangers"
• prevent from speaking out
• tie a gag around someone's mouth in order to silence them
• To bind or confine an animal's mouth by putting a muzzle, as to prevent it from eating or biting.
• To restrain (from speaking, expressing opinion or acting); to gag; to silence; to censor.
• To veil, mask, muffle.
• To fondle with the closed mouth; to nuzzle.
• To bring the muzzle or mouth near.

Examples

• The rules sometimes feel like they muzzle creativity, but they’re essential for fair play.
• Those who want to muzzle everyone else are likely nothing less than pseudovirtuous.

Synonyms

gag, gun muzzle, bemuzzle, bridle, snout

Antonyms

unmuzzle

Anagrams of muzzle