c. 1200, "muteness, state of being silent," from Old French silence "state of being silent; absence of sound," from Latin silentium "a being silent," from silens, present participle of silere "be quiet or still," of unknown origin. Meaning "absence of sound" in English is from late 14c.
silence (v.)
1560s, intransitive, "become still or silent;" 1590s, transitive, "make silent," from silence (n.). Related: Silenced; silencing.
实用例句
1. There was a long silence, and my father looked shamefaced.
沉默持续了很长时间，而我父亲看上去面带愧色。
来自柯林斯例句
2. There was silence at the other end of the line.
电话那头没有声音。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Delegates sat in rapt silence as Mrs Fisher spoke.
费希尔夫人发言的时候，代表们都一言不发专心致志地听着。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The unearthly silence was broken by a shrill screaming.
一声尖叫打破了这可怕的沉寂。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The silence was broken by the whirring of a helicopter.