Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Muzzle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤐
Add to dictionary

muzzle

[ˈmʌz.əl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal protection

A device that is fitted over the snout of an animal to prevent biting or eating.

Synonyms

mouth guard, restraint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
muzzle

Used to refer to a device placed over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting or eating. It can also be used metaphorically to describe silencing someone.

  • The dog wore a muzzle to stop it from biting strangers.
  • The government tried to muzzle the press to prevent bad publicity.
mouth guard

Typically used in sports or dental contexts to describe a device worn in the mouth to protect teeth from injury or grinding.

  • Players are required to wear mouth guards during the hockey game.
  • She wore a mouth guard at night to stop herself from grinding her teeth.
restraint

Generally used to describe a measure or device that limits movement or actions, often with a negative connotation when used on people or animals.

  • The patient was placed in restraints to prevent self-injury.
  • The use of restraints on animals can be considered inhumane.

Examples of usage

  • The dog had to wear a muzzle at the veterinarian's office.
  • The zookeeper put a muzzle on the bear for safety reasons.
Context #2 | Verb

silencing

To prevent someone from speaking freely or expressing their opinions.

Synonyms

silence, suppress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
muzzle

Used to describe physically covering an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or barking. It can also be used metaphorically to describe preventing someone from speaking out.

  • The dog must wear a muzzle when going to the park.
  • The authorities tried to muzzle the protesters by closing the park.
silence

Commonly used to describe the act of preventing someone from talking or making noise. This can be in a gentle way, such as asking for silence in a library, or in a more forceful way, which can carry a negative connotation.

  • Please silence your phones during the movie.
  • The government attempted to silence dissenting voices.
suppress

Often used in a broader sense to talk about stopping or holding back something, such as emotions, information, or uprisings. It usually implies a strong effort to keep something under control, sometimes with a negative connotation.

  • He had to suppress his laughter during the serious meeting.
  • The regime tried to suppress the news of the protests.

Examples of usage

  • The government tried to muzzle the press and control the flow of information.
  • The new policy muzzled employees from sharing confidential information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Welfare

  • Muzzles are often used in veterinary practices to ensure the safety of both the animal and the staff when handling nervous or aggressive pets.
  • Proper training can help dogs become comfortable with wearing a muzzle, making it a useful tool for both safety and well-being.

Cultural Perspective

  • In various cultures, using a muzzle on animals reflects different views on training and animal behavior.
  • Muzzles feature in literature and film as symbols of control or obedience, often used in stories about training tough or wild animals.

Legal Use

  • Certain regions have laws requiring dangerous or aggressive breeds to wear muzzles in public to enhance safety.
  • Muzzles are often part of animal control regulations aimed at preventing attacks and ensuring public safety.

Psychology

  • Using a muzzle can affect a dog's anxiety levels, as it helps them feel secure by reducing overwhelming stimuli, though it must be used correctly.
  • The use of muzzles in stressful situations, like vet visits, can be a practical method for minimizing fear or aggression.

Origin of 'muzzle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'muzzell,' related to the Old French word 'mouze,' which means 'to muzzle or cover.'
  • The root of the word reflects the idea of covering or restraining something, much like how a muzzle covers a dog's mouth.

The word 'muzzle' originated from the Middle English 'musel', which meant a covering for the mouth of an animal. It can be traced back to the Old French 'musel' and the Late Latin 'musellum'. The concept of muzzling animals for safety and control has been present for centuries, evolving from simple leather straps to more modern materials and designs.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,749, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.