muffle

¹

[muhf-uhl]

verb (used with object)

muffled, muffling 

1. to wrap with something to deaden or prevent sound.

   to muffle drums.

2. to deaden (sound) by wrappings or other means.

3. to wrap or envelop in a cloak, shawl, coat, etc., especially to keep warm or protect the face and neck (often followed byup ).

   Muffle up the children before they go out.

4. to wrap (oneself) in a garment or other covering.

   muffled in silk.

5. to alter temporarily the profile of (a plaster mold) in order to run a base coat of plaster that will later be covered by a finish coat having the true profile.

noun

1. something that muffles.

2. muffled sound.

3. an oven or arched chamber in a furnace or kiln, used for heating substances without direct contact with the fire.

muffle

²

[muhf-uhl]

noun

1. the thick, bare part of the upper lip and nose of ruminants and rodents.

muffle

¹

/ ˈmʌfəl /

verb

1. (often foll by up) to wrap up (the head) in a scarf, cloak, etc, esp for warmth

2. to deaden (a sound or noise), esp by wrapping

3. to prevent (the expression of something) by (someone)

noun

1. something that muffles

2. a kiln with an inner chamber for firing porcelain, enamel, etc, at a low temperature

muffle

²

/ ˈmʌfəl /

noun

1. the fleshy hairless part of the upper lip and nose in ruminants and some rodents

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English muffelen “to veil, cover”; probably a derivative of Old French moufle “mitten”; muff

Origin of muffle²

First recorded in 1600–10; from Middle French mufle “muzzle, snout,” probably blend of moufle “chubby face” and museau muzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

C15: probably from Old French; compare Old French moufle mitten, emmouflé wrapped up

Origin of muffle²

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The cold shocks my body, gripping my spine and muffling my senses as if punishing me for daring to challenge it.

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He stayed hunched against the wall and spoke in a muffled voice.

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Her muffled voice emerged through her fingers, one strained syllable at a time.

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Michael heard the muffled sound of his mother’s voice.

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Songs like “Idk” and “Abrir Monte” simulate the experience of being submerged as a muffled, yet pounding bass line takes charge.

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Related Words

• dampen 
• deaden 
• envelop 
• hush 
• mute 
• muzzle 
• soft pedal 
• squelch 
• stifle 
• subdue 
• tone down