muffle

¹

[ muhf-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, muf·fled, muf·fling.

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 by up ):

   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 /

noun

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

muffle

²

/ 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

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

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Origin of muffle²

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

Example Sentences

While headbands do provide some natural muffle, the fabric won’t be enough to tune out sounds within close range.

From Popular-Science

He pulled one out and slipped it over my head, zipping the mouth closed to muffle my voice.

From The Daily Beast

Prague Fatale is authentic because Kerr can muffle the horror of this epoch in dramatic irony but he can also shout it out loud.

From The Daily Beast

Police theorized that her killer used the blanket to muffle the sound of the gunshots.

From The Daily Beast

From that spot, the canvas pulsates before your eyes, like a fabric reaching out to muffle you—like a primordial soup, bubbling.

From The Daily Beast

Susan Batson, a Hollywood acting coach, says that actors don't explicitly say that their goal is to muffle their words.

From The Daily Beast

It is placed on the muffle-plate (see above), by which it is introduced into the furnace.

From Project Gutenberg

The cupels are then drawn to the mouth of the muffle, and allowed to cool slowly.

From Project Gutenberg

The first time it was I did see our hardy lord abbat muffle his chin, in a skin or fur brought from foreign parts.

From Project Gutenberg

This author must not be allowed to muffle up his throat, and keep his notes for some imaginary and far-off spring.

From Project Gutenberg

The dried glass is finally heated to a temperature of dull redness in a muffle furnace.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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