muzzle
muzzle Lexical Profile
muzzle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The projecting part of the face of an animal, encompassing the nose, mouth, and jaws.
"The friendly dog nudged my hand with his cold, wet muzzle."
A device, typically made of straps or wire, fitted over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting or eating.
"The veterinarian required the aggressive terrier to wear a muzzle during the examination."
The open discharging end of the barrel of a firearm.
"The hunter carefully pointed the muzzle of the rifle toward the ground while walking."
• verb
To prevent a person or group from expressing their opinions or disseminating information freely.
"The new legislation was heavily criticized as an attempt to muzzle the independent press."
To fit a restrictive device over the snout of an animal to prevent it from biting, eating, or barking.
"The law requires owners to muzzle certain breeds of dogs when walking them in public parks."
• Rhymes for muzzle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English, from Old French 'musel' (diminutive of 'muse', meaning snout), ultimately derived from Medieval Latin 'musum'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.