What is the meaning of silence?

noun

• The state of being silent (as when no one is speaking. )
  • usage: "there was a shocked silence"; "he gestured for silence"
• The absence of sound.
  • usage: "he needed silence in order to sleep"; "the street was quiet"
  • synonyms: quiet
• A refusal to speak when expected.
  • usage: "his silence about my contribution was surprising"
  • synonyms: muteness
• The trait of keeping things secret.
  • synonyms: secrecy, secretiveness

verb

• Cause to be quiet or not talk.
  • usage: "Please silence the children in the church"
  • synonyms: hush, quieten, still, shut up, hush up
• Keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure.
  • usage: "All dissenters were silenced when the dictator assumed power"