silencing

1 definition found

silencing - 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.
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              Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle.
                                                    --Shak.
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     2. To put to rest; to quiet.
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              This would silence all further opposition.
                                                    --Clarendon.
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              These would have silenced their scruples. --Rogers.
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     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.
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              The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was
              silenced for nonconformity.           --B. Trumbull.
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     4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as,
        to silence the batteries of an enemy.
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