[si.lence] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L silentium, fr. silent-, silens] (13c) 1: forbearance from speech or noise: muteness--often used interjectionally
2: absence of sound or noise: stillness
3: absence of mention: a: oblivion, obscurity b: secrecy "weapons research was conducted in ~"
[2]silence vt si.lenced ; si.lenc.ing (1597) 1: to compel or reduce to silence: still
2: to restrain from expression: suppress
3: to cause to cease hostile firing or criticism