silence

the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking); “there was a shocked silence”; “he gestured for silence”

the absence of sound; “he needed silence in order to sleep”; “the street was quiet”

a refusal to speak when expected; “his silence about my contribution was surprising”

the trait of keeping things secret

cause to be quiet or not talk; “Please silence the children in the church!”

keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure; “All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power”