silence | ||
1. | [ noun ] the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking) | |
Examples: | "there was a shocked silence": "he gestured for silence" |
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Related terms: | condition hush | |
2. | [ noun ] the absence of sound | |
Synonyms: | quiet | |
Examples: | "he needed silence in order to sleep" "the street was quiet" |
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Related terms: | sound sound_property hush quietness speechlessness hush | |
3. | [ noun ] a refusal to speak when expected | |
Synonyms: | muteness | |
Examples: | "his silence about my contribution was surprising" |
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Related terms: | uncommunicativeness hush | |
4. | [ verb ] cause to be quiet or not talk | |
Synonyms: | hush still shut_up hush_up quieten | |
Examples: | "Please silence the children in the church!" |
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Related terms: | louden suppress dampen lull gag shout_down shush whitewash hush muteness hush silencer hush | |
5. | [ noun ] the trait of keeping things secret | |
Synonyms: | secrecy secretiveness | |
Related terms: | uncommunicativeness mum | |
6. | [ verb ] keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure | |
Examples: | "All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power" |
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Related terms: | suppress secrecy | |
7. | [ verb ] get rid of, silence, or suppress | |
Synonyms: | burke | |
Examples: | "burke an issue" |
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Related terms: | suppress | |
Similar spelling: |
silencer silenced silliness Silenus |