silence
Pronunciation
  • (RP) IPA: /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
  • (America) IPA: /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Noun

silence (uncountable)

  1. The absence of any sound.
    When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening.
  2. The act of refraining from speaking.
    "You have the right to silence," said the police officer.
    • D. Webster
      The administration itself keeps a profound silence.
  3. Form of meditative worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers); meeting for worship.
    During silence a message came to me that there was that of God in every person.
Synonyms Related terms Translations Translations Verb

silence (silences, present participle silencing; past and past participle silenced)

  1. (transitive) To make (someone or something) silent.
    Can you silence the crowd, so we can start the show?
  2. (transitive) To repress the expression of something.
    Women, as well as children, have their thoughts or emotions routinely silenced.
  3. (transitive) To suppress criticism, etc.
    Silence the critics.
    Silence the doubters.
  4. (molecular biology) To block gene expression.
  5. (euphemistic) murder#Verb|murder
Translations Translations
  • German: zum Schweigen bringen
  • Italian: silenziare, mettere a tacere
  • Portuguese: silenciar
  • Russian: заткну́ть рот
  • Spanish: hacer callar
Interjection
  1. (imperative) Be silent.
    Silence! Enough of your insolence!
Synonyms Translations
  • German: Ruhe
  • Portuguese: silêncio!
  • Russian: молчи́
  • Spanish: cállate



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