silence

Noun

• the trait of keeping things secret

• a refusal to speak when expected
  • his silence about my contribution was surprising
    

• the absence of sound
  • he needed silence in order to sleep
    
  • the street was quiet
    

• the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)
  • there was a shocked silence
    
  • he gestured for silence
    

Verb

• keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure
  • All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power
    

• cause to be quiet or not talk
  • Please silence the children in the church!
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  secrecy , secretiveness , muteness , quiet , hush , quieten , still , shut up , hush up
• Antonyms: 
  sound , louden