Definition of "Silence" :

noun: a refusal to speak when expected

"His silence about my contribution was surprising."

noun: the trait of keeping things secret

noun: the absence of sound

"He needed silence in order to sleep."

noun: the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)

"There was a shocked silence."

verb: cause to be quiet or not talk

"Please silence the children in the church!."

verb: keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure

"All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power."