muzzle
MUZ-uhl
/ˈmʌzl/
(v) To prevent a person or group from expressing their opinions freely; (n) A device, usually a strap or wire cage, fitted over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting or eating.
When used figuratively for people, it strongly implies a forceful and unfair silencing of speech or opinion, often by an authority.
The story behind the word. The word "muzzle" comes from the Old French `musel`, meaning "snout" or "mouth." It originally referred to the part of an animal's face, and later to the device placed over an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or eating. By the 17th century, it began to be used figuratively to mean "to silence" or "to restrain from speaking," drawing a powerful image of forced quiet.
Word relationships
- silence: More general; "muzzle" implies a more forceful or deliberate act of preventing speech.
- gag: Similar to muzzle, often implying a more immediate or physical prevention of speech.
- empower: To give someone the authority or power to do something.
- enable: To give someone the means or opportunity to do something.
Commonly confused with
- censor: "Censor" is about reviewing and removing specific content; "muzzle" is about preventing any speech or expression from a source.
Word family
- muzzled (adjective): Having one's speech or expression restricted.
Collocations
- muzzle the press
- muzzle critics
- muzzle dissent
- government muzzles
Example sentences
- "Critics accused the government of trying to muzzle the press by imposing new restrictions on reporting." Describing restrictions on journalists.
- "She felt muzzled by the strict corporate policies that prevented her from speaking openly about workplace issues." Describing an individual's suppressed voice.
Memory hook
MUZZLE: A MUZZY (fuzzy) device put over a mouth to stop speech. Muzzy mouth.
When not to use
Don't use for simply disagreeing with someone; it implies a deliberate, often coercive, act to silence someone entirely.
Fun facts
- The figurative use of "muzzle" for silencing people highlights the dehumanizing aspect of such restrictions.
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