Definition

1. Noun:

   • A restraint device: A covering, typically made of leather or wire, that is placed over an animal's snout (especially a dog's) to prevent it from biting or eating.
   • The projecting part of an animal's head: The forward part of the head of certain animals, such as dogs, horses, or foxes, that includes the nose, mouth, and jaws.
   • The open end of a firearm: The circular, discharging end of the barrel of a gun.

2. Verb:

   • To fit with a muzzle: To put a muzzle device on an animal.
   • To prevent from speaking or expressing oneself: To silence or suppress someone's speech or opinions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The aggressive dog had to wear a muzzle during its vet visit.
  • The fox has a long, pointed muzzle.
  • The soldier carefully cleaned the muzzle of his rifle.

• Verb:

  • The owner was advised to muzzle her dog in public parks.
  • The authoritarian regime sought to muzzle the free press.

Advanced Usage

• "To put a muzzle on": To impose restrictions on free expression.
  • The new law effectively puts a muzzle on political dissent.

Variants and Related Words

• Muzzler (noun): A person or thing that muzzles.
• Muzzling (noun/gerund): The act of fitting with a muzzle or suppressing speech.

Synonyms

• Noun (restraint): guard, restraint.
• Noun (animal part): snout, nose.
• Noun (gun part): barrel end.
• Verb (silence): gag, silence, suppress, stifle.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its primary use is as a standalone verb or noun.)

Related Idioms

• "Muzzle the press": To censor or prevent journalists from reporting freely.
  • The government's attempt to muzzle the press was widely condemned.

Noun

1. restraint put into a person's mouth to prevent speaking or shouting
2. 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
3. forward projecting part of the head of certain animals; includes the jaws and nose
4. the open circular discharging end of a gun

Verb

1. tie a gag around someone's mouth in order to silence them
   • The burglars gagged the home owner and tied him to a chair
2. prevent from speaking out
   • The press was gagged
3. fit with a muzzle
   • muzzle the dog to prevent it from biting strangers