Muffle
/ˈmʌf.əl/noun
To wrap, cover, or soundproof something so it is less clear, loud, or distinct.
Did you know?The word likely came into English through the idea of a face or head being wrapped in a cloth covering, and its later “soundproof” meaning grew from that physical act of enclosure.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
mufflen
“to wrap up, cover, or conceal”
Middle French
French
moufl(er)
“to wrap or cover warmly; to muffle”
Late Latin
Latin
muffula
“a woolly glove or mitten”
Old High German
OHG
muffula
“a mitten or hand covering”
Modern English
English
muffle
“to wrap, cover, or reduce the clarity or sound of something”