Webster's English Dictionary

Enter the word to look up:

silence

1. si.lence \'si--l*n(t)s\ n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L silentium, fr. silent-, 
   silens] 1: forbearance from speech or noise : MUTENESS - often used inter 
   jectionally 2: absence of sound or noise : STILLNESS  3: absence of mention 
   :  3a: OBLIVION, OBSCURITY  3b: SECRECY 
2. silence vt 1: to compel or reduce to silence : STILL  2: to restrain 
   from expression : SUPPRESS  3: to cause to cease hostile firing by return 
   fire or bombing