mute

To turn off or reduce the sound of a device or recording.

• Please mute your phone.
• I muted the television during the call.
• Have you muted your microphone?

Similar words: silence

Opposites: unmute

Common phrases: mute the microphone, mute your phone, mute the tv

To make someone or something quieter or stop them from being heard.

• The thick carpet muted our footsteps.
• Fear had muted her protests.
• The new rules may mute voices of opposition.

Similar words: silence, quiet, muffle

Common phrases: mute criticism, mute someone’s voice, mute the noise

Saying nothing or making no sound.

• She remained mute throughout the meeting.
• He stood mute with shock.
• The abandoned houses were mute witnesses to the disaster.

Similar words: silent, soundless

Common phrases: remain mute, mute witness, mute appeal

Unable to speak.

• The mute child communicated with signs.
• She has been mute since birth.
• A speech specialist worked with the mute patient.

Similar words: nonverbal

Common phrases: mute child, deaf and mute, mute person, born mute

A person who cannot speak.

• The old report described him as a mute.
• In the novel, a mute communicates through gestures.
• The historical register listed several residents as mutes.

Common phrases: a deaf mute, as a mute