muzzle

The part of an animal’s face that sticks out and contains its nose and mouth.

• The dog has a wet muzzle.
• She gently stroked the horse’s muzzle.
• White fur covered their muzzles.

Similar words: snout

Common phrases: long muzzle, wet muzzle, muzzle of something, broad muzzle

A cover placed over an animal’s mouth to stop it biting or eating.

• The dog wears a muzzle.
• She removed the muzzle after the visit.
• Do these dogs need muzzles?

Common phrases: wear a muzzle, put on a muzzle, basket muzzle

To stop someone expressing their opinions or doing what they want, often by using power.

• The law could muzzle the press.
• Officials tried to muzzle their critics.
• Journalists refused to be muzzled.

Similar words: silence, gag, censor

Common phrases: muzzle the press, muzzle someone’s criticism, muzzle political opponents

To put a cover over an animal’s mouth to stop it biting or eating.

• Please muzzle your dog.
• The vet muzzled the frightened animal.
• Owners must muzzle these dogs in public.

Similar words: bemuzzle

Common phrases: muzzle a dog, muzzle an animal