muzzle
//ˈmʌzəl//
Noun
muzzleSingular
muzzlesPlural
1
The projecting part of an animal's face, including the nose and mouth; the snout.
The dog's muzzle was wet after drinking water.
2
A guard or covering fitted over an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or eating.
The dog wore a muzzle to prevent it from biting strangers.
3
The open end of a gun barrel from which the bullet or projectile emerges.
The soldier pointed the muzzle of his rifle at the target.
Verb
muzzleInfinitive
muzzlePresent tense
muzzledPast tense
muzzledPast participle
muzzlingPresent participle
muzzlesThird-person singular
1
To put a muzzle on an animal to prevent it from biting.
You should muzzle your dog when walking in crowded areas.
2
To prevent a person or group from expressing their opinions freely; to silence or censor.
The government tried to muzzle the press by restricting access to information.