Muffle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To muffle means to make a sound quieter or less clear, often by covering or wrapping something. For example, wearing a scarf can muffle your voice, and thick curtains can muffle outside noise.
Definition:
To deaden or soften the sound of something, often by wrapping or covering it.
Synonyms:
dampen, mute, stifle, suppress
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
amplify, enhance
Common Collocations:
muffle the sound, muffle a cry, muffle the noise
Derivatives:
muffler, muffled
Usage Tips:
Use "muffle" to describe reducing sound intensity, often with fabric or insulation.
Common Phrases:
muffle up, muffled laughter, muffle the impact
Etymology:
From Old French "moufle" (mitten), likely of Germanic origin; related to covering or wrapping.
Examples:
- 1. She tried to muffle her sneeze with a tissue.
- 2. The thick curtains helped muffle the noise from the street.
- 3. He wore a scarf to muffle his voice during the call.
- 4. The snow muffled the sound of footsteps outside.