silence

Definition

The absence of any sound.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening."
• "Words like violence break the silence / Come crashing in into my little world"
• "deadly silence"

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