Overview of noun silence

The noun silence has 4 senses

• silence -- (the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking); "there was a shocked silence"; "he gestured for silence")


• silence, quiet -- (the absence of sound; "he needed silence in order to sleep"; "the street was quiet")


• muteness, silence -- (a refusal to speak when expected; "his silence about my contribution was surprising")


• secrecy, secretiveness, silence -- (the trait of keeping things secret)

Overview of verb silence

The verb silence has 2 senses

• hush, quieten, silence, still, shut up, hush up -- (cause to be quiet or not talk; "Please silence the children in the church!")


• silence -- (keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure; "All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power")