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Silenced: meaning, definitions and examples

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silenced

 

[ˈsaɪ.lənst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to make silent

To silence means to make someone or something silent, or to prevent them from speaking or making noise.

Synonyms

hush, muffle, quiet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silenced

Used when something or someone is made to stop making noise, either forcibly or intentionally.

  • The protesters were silenced by the police.
  • The loud machinery was finally silenced after hours of noise.
quiet

Used to describe a state of low noise levels or to request a reduction in noise, typically in a gentle or neutral manner.

  • Please be quiet in the library.
  • The streets were unusually quiet at night.
hush

Used to ask for quiet or to describe a sudden silence, often in a comforting or calm manner.

  • Hush, baby, don’t cry.
  • There was a sudden hush in the room when the news was announced.
muffle

Used when noise is reduced but not completely stopped, often by covering or surrounding it.

  • She used a scarf to muffle her cough.
  • The thick walls muffled the sounds from outside.

Examples of usage

  • He silenced the crowd with a wave of his hand.
  • The government tried to silence the protesters by shutting down social media.
  • She was silenced by the threatening looks of her colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of sound

Silenced can also refer to the state of being without sound or noise.

Synonyms

calm, quietness, stillness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silenced

This term is often used when someone or something is purposely prevented from speaking or making noise, usually implying a negative or forceful action.

  • The dissenting voices were silenced by the regime
  • The teacher silenced the class with a stern look
quietness

This term refers to a state of being quiet, often used to describe an environment or situation where there is minimal noise.

  • The quietness of the library was soothing
  • They enjoyed the quietness of the countryside
stillness

This word is used to describe a state of complete motionlessness and often implies a sense of peace or solemnity.

  • There was an eerie stillness in the air before the dawn
  • The stillness of the forest was almost overwhelming
calm

This word is used to describe a peaceful and serene state, usually referring to emotions or atmosphere.

  • After the storm, the sea was calm again
  • She spoke to him in a calm voice to soothe his nerves

Examples of usage

  • The silenced room felt eerie and unsettling.
  • The silenced phone rang repeatedly, but no one answered.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'silenced' has roots in the Latin word 'silentium', meaning 'quietness' or 'stillness', dating back to the 14th century.
  • In history, many movements have used silence as a powerful symbol, representing oppression or control by those in power.
  • The act of silencing has appeared in various cultures as a tactic for enforcing conformity throughout history.

Psychology

  • Being silenced can lead to feelings of isolation and depression since communication is essential for emotional well-being.
  • Research shows that people often feel empowered when they have a voice, while silencing can trigger anxiety and stress.
  • The phenomenon of 'internalized oppression' can occur when individuals begin to silence themselves due to societal pressures.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of being silenced has been a recurring theme in literature and movies, symbolizing struggles for freedom of expression.
  • Songs like 'Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel reflect the emotional impact of silence in relation to societal issues.
  • Films such as 'The King's Speech' depict the journey of overcoming silence in a personal and historical context.

Law and Politics

  • In many societies, laws exist to protect freedom of speech, aiming to prevent silencing of individuals or groups.
  • Censorship is when authorities try to silence ideas or expressions they consider dangerous, highlighting tensions between power and freedom.
  • Historically, political dissent has often been met with silencing, showing struggles between governing bodies and individual rights.

Literature

  • Authors often use the motif of silence to underscore themes of repression, as seen in works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood.
  • Silence in poetry can convey deep emotions, with poets manipulating this theme to evoke a strong response from readers.
  • Many novels explore characters' journeys from silence to voice, emphasizing the importance of self-expression in personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "silenced" in other languages:

🇵🇹 silenciado

🇮🇳 चुप

🇩🇪 zum Schweigen gebracht

🇮🇩 dibungkam

🇺🇦 замовчаний

🇵🇱 uciszony

🇯🇵 沈黙させられた (ちんもくさせられた)

🇫🇷 réduit au silence

🇪🇸 silenciado

🇹🇷 susturulmuş

🇰🇷 침묵하게 된 (침묵하게 된)

🇸🇦 أُسكت

🇨🇿 umlčený

🇸🇰 umlčaný

🇨🇳 被沉默 (bèi chénmò)

🇸🇮 utišan

🇮🇸 þaggað

🇰🇿 үнсіз қалдырылған

🇬🇪 გაჩუმებული

🇦🇿 susdurulmuş

🇲🇽 silenciado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,764, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.