verbverb
silenciar
mute
Hacer que algo deje de sonar o que una persona deje de hablar.
Definition & meaning
Silenciar is a verb meaning to make someone or something silent, to mute, or to suppress.
Its meaning depends on context:
- Mute or turn off sound: silenciar el teléfono means “to silence/mute the phone.”
- Stop someone from speaking or being heard: silenciar a alguien means “to silence someone.”
- Suppress or keep something from being expressed or known: silenciar las críticas means “to suppress the criticism.”
Grammar & Word origin
Silenciar is a regular -ar verb. It is usually transitive, taking a direct object. The reflexive form silenciarse can mean “to become quiet” or “to fall silent.”
It is formed from silencio (“silence”) and the verb-forming ending -ar.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms include:
- callar : to make or keep quiet; often used for people or speech.
- acallar : to quiet or suppress, often emphasizing stopping objections or complaints.
- mutear : to mute sound or a microphone; more specific to audio and technology.
- suprimir : to suppress or eliminate; broader and not necessarily about sound or speech.
Possible antonyms vary by context:
- hablar : to speak.
- expresar : to express or voice something.
- revelar : to reveal something that had been kept hidden.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Voy a silenciar la televisión.verb
I am going to mute the television.
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