silence meaning and definition

SILENCE noun

Definition of silence (noun)

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
   • antonym: sound
3. a refusal to speak when expected
   • "his silence about my contribution was surprising"
   • synonyms: muteness
4. the trait of keeping things secret
   • synonyms: secrecy, secretiveness

SILENCE verb

Definition of silence (verb)

1. cause to be quiet or not talk
   • "Please silence the children in the church!"
   • synonyms: hush, hush up, quieten, shut up, still
   • antonym: louden
2. keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure
   • "All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power"