noun

1. the state or fact of keeping silent; a refraining from speech or from making noise
2. absence of any sound or noise; stillness
3. a withholding of knowledge or omission of mention to note an author's silence on a point
4. failure to communicate, write, keep in touch, etc.
5. oblivion or obscurity

Etymology: OFr < L silentium < silens: see silent

transitive verb silenced -·lenced, silencing -·lenc·ing

1. to cause to be silent; still; quiet
2. to put down; repress
3. to put (enemy guns) out of action

interjection