silence
n. C / Un. a total lack of sound or noise. It can also mean a time when people stop talking or refuse to share information.
n. the complete absence of sound or the state of abstaining from speech or communication.
The teacher waited for silence before starting the lesson.
After the heated argument, a heavy silence filled the room as neither side wanted to apologize first.
The profound silence of the library was interrupted only by the occasional rustle of turning pages and the distant hum of the ventilation system.
From Middle English silence, from Old French silence, from Latin silentium (“silence”), from silēns (“quiet, silent”, present participle of silēre) + -ium. Displaced native Old English swīġe and sālnes.
- 01
blue wall of silence
Strict secretiveness maintained by the members of a police force with respect to information which might be contrary to their interests, especially information concerning questionable police actions.
- 02
dead silence
A particularly notable/awkward silence or absence of response.
- 03
deafening silence
A noteworthy silence, or absence of response, especially one signifying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm.