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Silencer: meaning, definitions and examples

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silencer

 

[ ˈsaɪ.lənsər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sound

A device that reduces noise from a firearm when it is discharged, often attached to the end of the barrel. Silencers work by trapping and slowing down the escaping gases from the fired cartridge.

Synonyms

muffler, suppressor

Examples of usage

  • The assassin used a silencer on his gun to avoid attracting attention.
  • The police officer equipped his weapon with a silencer for stealth operations.
Context #2 | Noun

person

A person or thing that suppresses or reduces something, such as a silencer of dissent or criticism.

Synonyms

inhibitor, suppressant

Examples of usage

  • The government was accused of being a silencer of free speech.
  • She was seen as the silencer of creativity in the workplace.

Translations

Translations of the word "silencer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 silenciador

🇮🇳 शांत करने वाला यंत्र

🇩🇪 Schalldämpfer

🇮🇩 peredam suara

🇺🇦 глушник

🇵🇱 tłumik

🇯🇵 サイレンサー

🇫🇷 silencieux

🇪🇸 silenciador

🇹🇷 susturucu

🇰🇷 소음기

🇸🇦 كاتم الصوت

🇨🇿 tlumič

🇸🇰 tlmič

🇨🇳 消声器

🇸🇮 dušilec

🇮🇸 hljóðdeyfir

🇰🇿 дыбыс өшіргіш

🇬🇪 დამჩენი

🇦🇿 səssizləşdirici

🇲🇽 silenciador

Etymology

The term 'silencer' originated from the early 20th century, when inventor Hiram Percy Maxim patented a device for muffling the noise of firearms. However, the correct technical term for such a device is 'suppressor,' as it does not truly silence the sound but rather suppresses it. The misconception of calling it a 'silencer' has persisted in popular culture and media.

See also: silenced.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,342, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.