muzzle

• Partie saillante du visage de certains animaux, comprenant le nez et la bouche ; dispositif que l'on met sur le museau d'un animal pour l'empêcher de mordre ou de manger ; ou extrémité antérieure du canon d'une arme à feu.

A noun referring to the projecting part of an animal's face including the nose and mouth, a device placed over an animal's snout to prevent biting or eating, or the open end of a gun barrel.

1. Gun barrel endB2formal

   The open, circular end of a firearm from which the projectile is discharged.

   Bouche du canon

   • The soldier cleaned the muzzle of his rifle after firing.
   • Smoke billowed from the muzzle of the cannon.
   • The gun's muzzle was pointed safely downward.

2. Animal snoutB1formal

   The projecting part of the face of certain animals, including the nose, mouth, and jaws.

   Museau

   • The dog's muzzle was wet from drinking water.
   • The horse nuzzled her hand with its soft muzzle.
   • The wolf's muzzle was covered in snow.

   Synonymessnout

3. Animal restraintB1formal

   A device, typically made of leather or wire, placed over an animal's snout to prevent it from biting or eating.

   muselière

   • The aggressive dog was fitted with a muzzle for safety.
   • The vet placed a muzzle on the frightened cat.
   • Some breeds are required to wear a muzzle in public places.

4. Human speech restraintC1formal

   A device placed in a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking or shouting.

   Bâillon

   • The prisoner was forced to wear a muzzle to prevent him from yelling.
   • Historical accounts describe the use of a muzzle as a form of punishment.
   • The protestor was silenced with a muzzle.

   Synonymesgag

• Mettre une muselière à un animal pour l'empêcher de mordre ou de manger, ou empêcher quelqu'un de s'exprimer librement, de dire ce qu'il pense.

A verb meaning to put a muzzle on an animal to prevent biting or eating, or to prevent someone from expressing their opinion freely.

1. Fit with a muzzleB1formal

   To put a device over an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or eating.

   Museler

   • The vet muzzled the dog before the examination.
   • Owners must muzzle their pets in public areas.
   • The aggressive dog was muzzled for safety.

2. Prevent from speaking outB2formal

   To suppress or restrict someone's freedom of expression or speech.

   Réduire au silence

   • The government tried to muzzle the press during the crisis.
   • Critics were muzzled by the new censorship laws.
   • She felt muzzled by the company's strict policies.

   Synonymescensorcurbgaghushquellrepressrestrainsilencestiflesuppress

3. Tie a gag around someone's mouthB2formal

   To physically silence someone by placing a gag over their mouth.

   Bâillonner

   • The kidnappers muzzled their victim with tape.
   • In the movie, the prisoner was muzzled to prevent him from calling for help.
   • The guards muzzled the captive to keep him quiet.

   Synonymesgag