muzzle
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muzzle
A device made of leather, wire, or plastic that is placed over an animal's snout, usually a dog's, to prevent it from biting.
In öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln müssen große Hunde einen Maulkorb tragen.
On public transportation, large dogs must wear a muzzle.
to muzzle someone
To prevent a person from expressing their opinion freely or from criticizing. This expression is used figuratively.
Die Opposition warf der Regierung vor, sie wolle kritischen Journalisten einen Maulkorb verpassen.
The opposition accused the government of wanting to muzzle critical journalists.
The word is made up of 'das Maul' (an animal's mouth) and 'der Korb' (basket). So it literally describes a basket for the animal's mouth.
Der Tierarzt empfahl einen Maulkorb für den ängstlichen Hund.
The vet recommended a muzzle for the anxious dog.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about animals, especially dogs, it refers to the object. If it is about people, freedom of speech, politics, or the media, the figurative meaning 'jemanden am Reden hindern' (to stop someone from speaking) is meant.
Mein Hund hasst es, seinen Maulkorb zu tragen.
My dog hates wearing his muzzle.
In the literal sense, 'Maulkorb' (muzzle) is often used with the verbs 'tragen' (to wear), 'anlegen' (to put on), or 'abnehmen' (to take off). A related concept is 'Maulkorbpflicht' (muzzle requirement).
Bitte legen Sie Ihrem Hund den Maulkorb an, bevor Sie in den Bus steigen.
Please put the muzzle on your dog before you get on the bus.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'jemandem einen Maulkorb verpassen' (to muzzle someone), or with 'anlegen' or 'umhängen'. The person who is being silenced is in the dative.
Man versuchte, dem kritischen Wissenschaftler einen Maulkorb zu verpassen.
They tried to muzzle the critical scientist.
censorship
Zensur and jemandem einen Maulkorb verpassen can both describe restricting public criticism. Zensur focuses on the control or alteration of information and opinions. Einen Maulkorb verpassen figuratively emphasizes that a person is not allowed to speak freely. Choose Zensur for the measure and Maulkorb for the person affected.
Der Sprecher bekam einen Maulkorb verpasst und durfte keine Kritik mehr äußern.
The spokesperson was muzzled and was no longer allowed to voice any criticism.
Die Zensur verhinderte, dass kritische Berichte veröffentlicht wurden.
Censorship prevented critical reports from being published.
