Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Silence?

\Si"lence\, n. [F., fr. L. silentium. See {Silent}.] 1. The state of being silent; entire absence of sound or noise; absolute stillness. I saw and heared; for such a numerous host Fled not in silence through the frighted deep. --Milton. 2. Forbearance from, or absence of, speech; taciturnity; muteness. 3. Secrecy; as, these things were transacted in silence. The administration itself keeps a profound silence. --D. Webster. 4. The cessation of rage, agitation, or tumilt; calmness; quiest; as, the elements were reduced to silence. 5. Absence of mention; oblivion. And what most merits fame, in silence hid. --Milton.
\Si"lence\, interj. Be silent; -- used elliptically for let there be silence, or keep silence. --Shak.
\Si"lence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Silenced}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Silencing}.] 1. To compel to silence; to cause to be still; to still; to hush. Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle. --Shak. 2. To put to rest; to quiet. This would silence all further opposition. --Clarendon. These would have silenced their scruples. --Rogers. 3. To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel. The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was silenced for nonconformity. --B. Trumbull. 4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as, to silence the batteries of an enemy.