muzzle
UK: ˈmʌz.əl | US: ˈmʌz.əl
n. 1. The projecting part of an animal's face, including the nose and mouth.
n. 2. A device fitted over an animal's mouth to prevent biting or eating.
vt. 1. To put a muzzle on an animal.
vt. 2. To restrain someone from speaking or expressing freely.
muzzle = muzz<snout> + le<diminutive suffix>
- muzz: Derived from Old French musel (snout, muzzle), likely from Vulgar Latin musum (snout), of uncertain origin but possibly imitative of the shape of the lips.
- le: A diminutive suffix in Old French, indicating a smaller or associated form.
Etymology Origin:
The word "muzzle" traces back to Old French musel, referring to an animal's snout. The diminutive suffix -le subtly softens the term, aligning with its use for both the anatomical feature and the restraining device. Over time, the verb form emerged metaphorically, extending to human speech suppression—a vivid linguistic evolution from physical restraint to abstract control.
The dog wore a leather muzzle to prevent biting.
She gently stroked the horse's muzzle.
The dictator attempted to muzzle the press.
The vet advised muzzling aggressive pets during exams.
His sarcastic remark was a subtle way to muzzle criticism.