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.
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
'die Zensur' and 'der Maulkorb' can both mean that someone is not allowed to speak or publish freely. 'die Zensur' refers to the control of content, for example in media, books, or films. In this meaning, 'der Maulkorb' is a figurative expression: 'jemandem einen Maulkorb verpassen' (to muzzle someone), meaning they are not allowed to express their opinion or criticism. It often sounds more personal and more colloquial than 'Zensur'. The words can be confused because both restrict free expression. 'Zensur' fits controlled content, while 'Maulkorb' fits people who are being silenced.
Nach seiner Kritik bekam der Mitarbeiter einen Maulkorb verpasst.
After his criticism, the employee was muzzled.
Die Zensur verhinderte, dass der Bericht im Fernsehen gezeigt wurde.
Censorship prevented the report from being shown on television.