silence
silence Lexical Profile
silence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The complete absence of sound or noise; stillness.
"A profound silence fell over the concert hall just before the orchestra began to play."
The state or fact of abstaining from speech, communication, or mention of a particular subject.
"The witness maintained a stubborn silence throughout the entire interrogation."
• verb
To cause to become quiet or stop making noise.
"She raised her hand to silence the chattering students in the auditorium."
To prohibit or prevent from speaking, expressing opinions, or publishing information, often through coercion or authority.
"The regime attempted to silence its political critics by shutting down independent newspapers."
• interjection
Used as a stern command to demand immediate quiet or an end to speaking.
"Silence! The judge will not tolerate another outburst in this courtroom."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 13th century from Old French silence, which derives from Latin silentium, meaning 'the state of being silent or still', from the verb silere ('to be noiseless or still').