silence
The absence of any sound.
Noun 3 meanings
The absence of any sound.
“When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening.”
The act of refraining from speaking.
“"You have the right to silence," said the police officer.”
Refraining from speaking, for purposes of prayer or meditation; especially, a form of worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers) during meetings.
“During silence a message came to me that there was that of God in every person.”
Verb 4 meanings
To make (someone or something) silent.
“Can you silence the crowd, so we can start the show?”
To repress the expression of something.
“Women, as well as children, have their thoughts or emotions routinely silenced.”
To suppress criticism, etc.
“Silence the critics.”
To block gene expression.
Interjection 1 meaning
Be silent.
“Silence! Enough of your insolence!”
Etymology
From Middle English silence, from Old French silence, from Latin silentium (“silence”), from silēns (“quiet, silent”, present participle of silēre) + -ium. Displaced native Old English swīġe and sālnes.
Similar and opposite words
SILENCE at a glance
SILENCE has 7 letters and scores 9 points in Scrabble (S 1 + I 1 + L 1 + E 1 + N 1 + C 3 + E 1) and 12 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #3,195 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with silence
All rhymes- SINCE7
- ONCE6
- EXPERIENCE21
- CHANCE13
- PERFORMANCE20
- EVIDENCE14
- SCIENCE11
- CONFERENCE17
- DIFFERENCE19
- INSURANCE11
- DANCE8
- DISTANCE11
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