muzzle

US /ˈmʌz.əl/
UK /ˈmʌz.əl/
"muzzle" picture
1.

the projecting part of the face, including the nose and mouth, of an animal such as a dog or horse

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The dog licked my hand with its wet muzzle.
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The horse's muzzle twitched as it grazed.
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snoutnosemouth
2.

a device, usually a strap or cage, fitted over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting or eating

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The dog had to wear a muzzle at the vet's office.
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A police dog often wears a muzzle when on duty.
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gagrestraint
3.

the open end of a firearm, where the bullet emerges

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He looked down the muzzle of the rifle.
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Smoke billowed from the muzzle after the shot.
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barrelboreopening
1.

to put a muzzle on (an animal)

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The vet had to muzzle the aggressive dog before examining it.
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It's important to know how to properly muzzle a dog for safety.
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gagrestrain
2.

to prevent (a person or group) from expressing their opinions freely

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The government tried to muzzle the press.
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They were effectively muzzled by the new regulations.
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silencegagsuppresscensorrestrain