I. ˈsī-lən(t)s noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin silentium, from silent-, silens
Date: 13th century
1. : forbearance from speech or noise : muteness — often used interjectionally
2. : absence of sound or noise : stillness
in the silence of the night
3. : absence of mention:
a. : oblivion , obscurity
b. : secrecy
weapons research was conducted in silence
II. transitive verb
( si·lenced ; si·lenc·ing )
Date: 1598
1. : to compel or reduce to silence : still
silenced the crowd
2. : to restrain from expression : suppress
3. : to cause to cease hostile firing or criticism
silence the opposition