silence

the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)

• “there was a shocked silence”
• “he gestured for silence”

the absence of sound

• “he needed silence in order to sleep”
• “the street was quiet”

a refusal to speak when expected

• “his silence about my contribution was surprising”

the trait of keeping things secret

cause to be quiet or not talk

• “Please silence the children in the church!”

keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure

• “All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power”