Silence meaning

What does “silence” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“silence” is a noun and verb with 6 meanings. Its most common meaning is: the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking).

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”

    Synonymsquiet
    Oppositessound
  3. a refusal to speak when expected

    “his silence about my contribution was surprising”

    Synonymsmuteness
  4. the trait of keeping things secret

verb

  1. cause to be quiet or not talk

    “Please silence the children in the church!”

  2. keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure

    “All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University