from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Silence \Si"lence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Silenced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Silencing}.]
1. To compel to silence; to cause to be still; to still; to
hush.
[1913 Webster]
Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To put to rest; to quiet.
[1913 Webster]
This would silence all further opposition.
--Clarendon.
[1913 Webster]
These would have silenced their scruples. --Rogers.
[1913 Webster]
3. To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege
of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of
preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel.
[1913 Webster]
The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was
silenced for nonconformity. --B. Trumbull.
[1913 Webster]
4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as,
to silence the batteries of an enemy.
[1913 Webster]