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unmuzzle

American  
[uhn-muhz-uhl] / ʌnˈmʌz əl /

verb (used with object)

unmuzzled, unmuzzling
  1. to remove a muzzle from (a dog, cat, etc.).

  2. to free from restraint, as speech or expression.


unmuzzle British  
/ ʌnˈmʌzəl /

verb

  1. to take the muzzle off (a dog, etc)

  2. to free from control or censorship

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unmuzzle

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- 2 + muzzle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Perhaps it is time to unmuzzle the staffs and encourage them to share their own lived, individual experiences.

From New York Times Jun. 6, 2020

It is her rule to let her orators unmuzzle their ignorance and find relief in venting grievances upon the empty air.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 09 Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Reformers by Elbert Hubbard

That night we were to unmuzzle Bailey's Battery.

From The Story of a Bad Boy by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

They think the old man will be well enough to unmuzzle before noon, but he's been acting like a bad case of dog-days all morning.

From At Good Old Siwash by George Fitch

Ah!" he said, "you unmuzzle me at last.

From The Meaning of Good—A Dialogue by G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes) Dickinson

"If officers are now told to go out and look for unmuzzled XL bullies, something will have to give," Ms Connolly told the BBC.

From BBC Jan. 31, 2024

It was a small sign that Gorbachev, having unmuzzled the opposition, would struggle to control the pace and direction of the process he had started.

From Reuters Aug. 30, 2022

Jackson, presuming he is unmuzzled, will be a boon for New York’s back-page headline writers.

From New York Times Mar. 15, 2014

Newly unmuzzled, many writers are eager simply to say what they see.

From Seattle Times Feb. 5, 2013

She held her breath as the shrieking hyena was brought forth—when unmuzzled, its cackle could paralyze the human body—but fortunately, Baaz did not suggest a live demonstration.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Experts said Walensky’s priorities should include unmuzzling CDC experts — including herself — and allowing them to speak directly and regularly to the public.

From Washington Post Dec. 7, 2020

If it his not clear then, it is now: This book is the unmuzzling.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 8, 2016

At length the Prince tired of his game, and unmuzzling the bear he chased the bewildered beast back into the shelter of the woodland.

From Young Folks Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12) by Various

At length the Prince tired of his game, and unmuzzling the bear he chased the bewildered beast back into the shelter of the woodlands.

From Stories of Siegfried Told to the Children by Granville Fell

The most important result of Lincoln's death was the unmuzzling of his son-in-law, Thomas of Lancaster.

From The History of England From the Accession of Henry III. to the Death of Edward III. (1216-1377) by William Hunt

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