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silence |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Silence \Si"lence\, interj. Be silent; -- used elliptically for let there be silence, or keep silence. --Shak. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Silence \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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: silence n 1: the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking); "there was a shocked silence": "he gestured for silence" 2: the absence of sound; "he needed silence in order to sleep"; "the street was quiet" [syn: {quiet}] [ant: {sound}] 3: a refusal to speak when expected; "his silence about my contribution was surprising" [syn: {muteness}] 4: the trait of keeping things secret [syn: {secrecy}, {secretiveness}] v 1: cause to be quiet or not talk; "This threat ought to shut them up!" [syn: {hush}, {quieten}, {still}, {shut up}, {hush up}] 2: get rid of silence, or suppress; "burke an issue" [syn: {burke}]
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