n. & v.
--n.
1. absence of sound.
2 abstinence from speech or noise.
3 the avoidance of mentioning a thing, betraying a secret, etc.
4 oblivion; the state of not being mentioned.
--v.tr. make silent, esp. by coercion or superior argument.
Phrases and idioms:
in silence without speech or other sound. reduce (or put) to silence refute in argument.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L silentium (as SILENT)