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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Silence \Si"lence\, interj. Be silent; -- used elliptically for let there be silence, or keep silence. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)