Muzzled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the word 'muzzle', which originally referred to a device placed over an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or eating.
• The use of 'muzzle' as a verb to mean silencing someone dates back to the early 17th century.
• In literature and everyday speech, 'muzzled' reflects a deeper metaphor of suppression beyond just animal control.

Psychology

• Being 'muzzled' can create feelings of frustration and anxiety, as individuals struggle with not being able to express their thoughts.
• Psychologists argue that withholding self-expression can lead to mental health issues, like depression, due to pent-up emotions.
• Research highlights that people who feel 'muzzled' in their environments often experience a decrease in creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Literature

• Authors often use the concept of being 'muzzled' to depict oppression or control in their characters, making it a common theme in dystopian fiction.
• Famous works, like George Orwell's '1984', explore the dangers of silencing voices in society, representing the metaphorical 'muzzling' of truth.
• Poets have utilized the term to symbolize the struggle for free speech, crafting powerful imagery around the idea of being silenced.

Media and Communication

• In journalism, the term 'muzzled' can refer to situations where reporters are restricted from covering certain topics or expressing viewpoints.
• Social media often highlights the notion of being 'muzzled' as people experience censorship or feel pressured to conform to prevailing opinions.
• Campaigns advocating for freedom of speech frequently use 'muzzled' to emphasize the need to unrestrict voices in various platforms.

Animal Behavior

• Muzzling a dog is a common practice in veterinary settings to prevent biting, especially when the animal is scared or in pain.
• Behavioral trainers emphasize that using a muzzle should not be a punishment but a tool for safety, promoting better understanding of animal communication.
• Muzzling is also a topic in animal rights discussions, focusing on the ethics of restricting speech and behavior not just in animals but metaphorically in humans.

This word's position of #32,007 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32007 muzzled
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