MUH-zuhl
MUZZLE The projecting nose and mouth of an animal; a restraint for an animal's mouth; to prevent from speaking.
26
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A muzzle is the projecting part of an animal's face, including the nose, mouth, and jaws. In dogs, cats, horses, and other mammals, the muzzle's shape varies by species and breed, affecting everything from breathing efficiency to bite strength.
As a restraint device, a muzzle prevents an animal from biting or eating. Made from leather, wire, or plastic, muzzles are used for safety during veterinary procedures, training, or when aggressive animals must be handled or transported.
Metaphorically, to muzzle means to prevent someone from speaking freely or expressing opinions. This usage appears in discussions of censorship, free speech, and power dynamics, where 'muzzling' represents suppression of voice or dissent.
In Scrabble, MUZZLE offers a solid 6-letter word with double Z, providing strong scoring potential. The familiar term from both animal care and political discourse makes it a safe play unlikely to draw challenges.
The word 'muzzle' comes from Middle English 'mosel,' from Old French 'musel,' diminutive of 'muse' meaning 'snout,' ultimately from Medieval Latin 'musellum.' The verb meaning 'to silence' developed in the 15th century from the practice of muzzling dogs.
Words with similar meaning
SNOUT
Animal's nose/mouth
SILENCE
Prevent speaking
GAG
Restrain speech
RESTRAIN
Hold back
Words with opposite meaning
UNMUZZLE
Remove restraint
LIBERATE
Set free
VOICE
Allow expression
Plural Form
muzzles
Related Terms
Speed of projectile leaving gun
Restrict media freedom
Legal speech restriction
Total base points: 26 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
Other high-scoring 6-letter words (Scrabble)
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"The veterinarian gently examined the dog's injured muzzle."
"They had to muzzle the dog during the grooming session for everyone's safety."
"The new regulations effectively muzzle scientists from discussing climate research."
Muzzle embodies the tension between safety and freedom, whether for animals or humans. In political discourse, 'muzzling' scientists, journalists, or whistleblowers has become a powerful metaphor for authoritarian control. The word bridges physical restraint and metaphorical silencing.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like MUZZLE