mute

Universal Words adjective, noun, verb adjective 1 (written) not speaking SYNSILENT: a look of mute appeal * The child sat mute in the corner of the room. 2 (old-fashioned) (of a person) unable to speak SYNDUMB noun 1 (music) a device made of metal, rubber or plastic that you use to make the sound of a musical instrument softer 2 (old-fashioned) a person who is not able to speak verb [VN] 1 to make the sound of sth, especially a musical instrument, quieter or softer, sometimes using a mute: He muted the strings with his palm. * The traffic noise was muted by the heavy drapes. 2 to make sth weaker or less severe: She thought it better to mute her criticism.