silence
1. [ noun ] the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)
Examples:

"there was a shocked silence": "he gestured for silence"

Related terms: condition hush
2. [ noun ] the absence of sound
Synonyms: quiet
Examples:

"he needed silence in order to sleep" "the street was quiet"

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"

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!"

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"

Related terms: suppress secrecy
7. [ verb ] get rid of, silence, or suppress
Synonyms: burke
Examples:

"burke an issue"

Related terms: suppress
Similar spelling:   silencer
  silenced
  silliness
  Silenus