silence

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: quietmutenesssecrecysecretivenesshushquietenstillshut uphush up

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)“there was a shocked silence”“he gestured for silence”
  2. the absence of sound“he needed silence in order to sleep”“the street was quiet”Synonyms: quiet
  3. a refusal to speak when expected“his silence about my contribution was surprising”Synonyms: muteness
  4. the trait of keeping things secretSynonyms: secrecysecretiveness

Verb (2)

  1. cause to be quiet or not talk“Please silence the children in the church!”Synonyms: hushquietenstillshut uphush up
  2. keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure“All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Silence \Si"lence\, n. [F., fr. L. silentium. See Silent.] [1913 Webster]

1.The state of being silent; entire absence of sound or noise; absolute stillness. [1913 Webster]

I saw and heared; for such a numerous host Fled not in silence through the frighted deep.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.Forbearance from, or absence of, speech; taciturnity; muteness. [1913 Webster]

3.Secrecy; as, these things were transacted in silence. [1913 Webster]

The administration itself keeps a profound silence.— D. Webster.[1913 Webster]

4.The cessation of rage, agitation, or tumilt; calmness; quiest; as, the elements were reduced to silence. [1913 Webster]

5.Absence of mention; oblivion. [1913 Webster]

And what most merits fame, in silence hid.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Silence \Si"lence\, interj. Be silent; -- used elliptically for let there be silence, or keep silence. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Silence \Si"lence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Silenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Silencing.]

1.To compel to silence; to cause to be still; to still; to hush. [1913 Webster]

Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To put to rest; to quiet. [1913 Webster]

This would silence all further opposition.— Clarendon.[1913 Webster]
These would have silenced their scruples.— Rogers.[1913 Webster]

3.To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel. [1913 Webster]

The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was silenced for nonconformity.— B. Trumbull.[1913 Webster]

4.To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as, to silence the batteries of an enemy. [1913 Webster]

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