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Hush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hush

[hʌʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

quiet

make (someone) quiet or stop talking.

Synonyms

quiet, shush, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hush

Used in secretive situations to prevent information from being spread, often with a sense of urgency or importance.

  • We need to hush this up before anyone finds out.
  • The news was hushed quickly to avoid panic.
silence

Refers to complete absence of sound, often used in more serious or dramatic contexts.

  • The teacher asked for silence before starting the test.
  • There was an eerie silence after the announcement.
quiet

Used to describe a general state of low noise or calm, often in settings like libraries, homes, or tranquil environments.

  • This park is very quiet and peaceful.
  • Please keep quiet in the reading room.
shush

Informally tells someone to stop making noise immediately, often used between friends or in casual settings. It can have a slightly impatient tone.

  • Shush, you're too loud!
  • He shushed her during the movie.

Examples of usage

  • He hushed the children with a gesture.
  • The teacher hushed the class with a stern look.
Context #2 | Noun

quiet

a gesture for silence.

Synonyms

quietness, shush, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hush

When referring to a general state of quiet or calm.

  • The hush of the library made it easy to concentrate
  • | A sudden hush fell over the room
silence

Refers to the complete absence of noise. It can be used both as a noun and a verb in formal contexts. It can also have serious or dramatic connotations.

  • The silence in the room was deafening
  • | Please silence your cell phones before the performance begins
  • | The forest was wrapped in an eerie silence
quietness

The state of being quiet, often used to describe an environment where there is little to no noise. More formal and descriptive.

  • The quietness of the rural countryside was a welcome change
  • | She enjoyed the quietness of the early morning hours
shush

An informal way to demand silence, often used in a quick or mildly impatient manner. Can have a slightly negative tone.

  • Shush! I'm trying to hear what they're saying
  • | The teacher shushed the noisy classroom

Examples of usage

  • She gave a hush to the audience before the performance.
  • The hush in the library was soothing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sound and Communication

  • Humans often use hushed tones in communication to create intimacy or secrecy, conveying that a conversation is private.
  • Non-verbal cues, like placing a finger over your lips, are commonly associated with the idea of hush, reinforcing the message of silence.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Hush' by Deep Purple and 'Hush Little Baby' are popular references that feature the theme of quietness.
  • In literature, whispers or the act of 'hushing' plays key roles in creating suspense or fostering intimate moments between characters.

Psychology

  • Studies show that silence can enhance focus and reduce stress, making 'hushing' beneficial for mental clarity.
  • The act of quieting oneself can lead to increased mindfulness, encouraging deeper thinking and reflection.

Cultural Expressions

  • In many cultures, there's a ritualistic element to 'hushing,' where silence is respected during moments of mourning or reflection.
  • Games like 'Hush' or 'Hush Puppy' incorporate silence and quietness as key elements, illustrating how the concept is enjoyed across various activities.

Origin of 'hush'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hush' has been used since the 14th century, originating from a Middle English form, likely mimicking the sound made to quiet children.
  • It may have roots in the Old English word 'husha,' which also corresponds to urging silence.

The word 'hush' originated in the late 16th century, probably imitative of the sound of putting an end to talk. It has been used in English to signify silence or quietness for centuries, and its usage remains popular to this day.

See also: hushed, shush.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,787, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.