silencer

[ sahy-luhn-ser ]

noun

1. a person or thing that silences.
2. a device for deadening the report of a firearm.
3. Chiefly British. the muffler on an internal-combustion engine.

silencer

/ ˈsaɪlənsə /

noun

1. any device designed to reduce noise, esp the tubular device containing baffle plates in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle US and Canadian namemuffler
2. a tubular device fitted to the muzzle of a firearm to deaden the report
3. a person or thing that silences

Word History and Origins

Origin of silencer¹

First recorded in 1625–35; silence + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Gonzales was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of an assault weapon with a high-capacity magazine and a silencer, among other charges.

From Los Angeles Times

A former Silicon Valley venture capitalist with Peter Thiel’s backing who ran for Senate in Arizona, Masters chilled audiences with his extreme political stances on issues like abortion and with front-facing videos and TV ads where he did creepy things, like whispering while firing a pistol with a silencer.

From Slate

They were arrested on suspicion of possession of a steroid, an assault weapon, a silencer and narcotics as well as manufacturing and selling metal knuckles and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the news release.

From Los Angeles Times

The better visual, though, may be that of the failed Senate candidate, 2024 House candidate, and Peter Thiel acolyte Blake Masters, whose 2022 campaign ad prompted comparisons to a school shooter: The chilling vision of Masters creepily grinning as he proudly fires his Walther PPK—with a silencer—alone in the middle of the desert, whispering about how “quiet it is,” how it’s “made in Germany,” and how it’s “just a little bit warm,” is a haunting reminder that the Desert Weirdos may seem fun, but they are way scarier than that.

From Slate

They presented records showing that Peterson, who lived in Durham, N.C., bought silencer components online and researched subsonic ammunition, which is quieter than standard rounds.

From Los Angeles Times