口くちを封ふうじる

expression, ichidan verb

muzzle; silence

Figurative expression meaning to prevent someone from speaking out, often by force, bribery, or intimidation. Can also refer to physically covering the mouth.

• 証しょう人にんの口くちを封ふうじるために、彼かれらは大たい金きんを渡わたした。

  They paid a large sum of money to silence the witness.

• 政せい府ふは批ひ判はん的てきなメディアの口くちを封ふうじようとしている。

  The government is trying to muzzle the critical media.