muzzle

1 of 2

noun

muz·zle ˈmə-zəl

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

: something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expression

: the open end of an implement

especially : the discharging end of a weapon

muzzle

2 of 2

verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-liŋ

ˈmə-zə-

transitive verb

: to fit with a muzzle

: gag

muzzled the regime's critics

: restrain, restrict

the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access

Joe Strupp

the low prices muzzled competition

muzzler

ˈməz-lər

ˈmə-zə-

noun

Example Sentences

Verb a dangerous dog that should be muzzled attempts by the government to muzzle the press The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although his muzzle may be a bit grayer, the lovable 10-year-old German Shepherd mix still has so much love to give!

The Republic, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2022 In the decade leading up to the World Cup this month, the muzzle on Qatar’s migrant workforce has been lifted by the occasional producer from ESPN and HBO, or a relentless author from France.

Matt Sullivan, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2022 Chunk, a big male with a scar across his muzzle, is estimated to weigh more than 1,200 pounds — roughly seven times the average American adult.

Emily M. Eng, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2022 Bulldog bats are native to Central and South America and are named after their similarities to bulldogs: full lips and a flat, square muzzle.

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2022 Its name pays homage to The Robey’s 1929 landmarked art-deco building that Chicagoans once called The Coyote Building for its spire, which some said resembled the muzzle of a howling coyote.

Tatyana Turner, Chicago Tribune, 30 Sep. 2022 While taking cover below a tree from a Russian drone overhead, one soldier leaned the muzzle of AK-74 against his crotch.

Serhii Korolchuk, Washington Post, 3 June 2022 The muzzle flashes were recorded on surveillance video from a business across the street.

Stephanie Pagones, Fox News, 9 Sep. 2022 Like the Abrams, the K2PL is also equipped with a 120-millimeter main gun, though the gun barrel is slightly longer to impart a greater muzzle velocity.

Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2022

Verb

In some cases, threats were enough to muzzle activists.

Oscar Lopez, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Sep. 2022 Bobb also worked with Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan to muzzle media coverage of the audit, proposing in emails non-disclosure agreements for the media to sign.

Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 30 Aug. 2022 Despite all these virtues, the mask has also been vilified as a symbol of unthinking obedience to authority and a tool to muzzle children and stifle dissent.

Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2022 Now Republican legislators and conservative groups are doubling down their efforts to muzzle activist CEOs.

Corinne Post, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Seconds later, there were muzzle flashes, as Saavedra-Soto fired his gun.

The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 Seeking to muzzle him will inevitably be viewed by those supporters as a power grab — a partisan act of manipulating the rules to benefit his opponents.

Damon Linker, The Week, 26 Apr. 2022 Then there were what appeared to be muzzle flashes from vehicles, followed by nearly simultaneous explosions in surrounding buildings.

chicagotribune.com, 4 Mar. 2022 Across the country, the authorities have moved to muzzle those who might speak out while the spotlight is on China.

New York Times, 31 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'muzzle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.