English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word muzzle in English

What does muzzle mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

muzzle

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

Noun

1.

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

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

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

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

the open end of a firearm, where the bullet emerges

Example:
•
He looked down the muzzle of the rifle.
•
Smoke billowed from the muzzle after the shot.
Synonym:
barrelboreopening

Verb

1.

to put a muzzle on (an animal)

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

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

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