silencer

American  

[sahy-luhn-ser] / ˈsaɪ lən sər /

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.

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silencer British  

/ ˈsaɪlənsə /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: muffler.  any device designed to reduce noise, esp the tubular device containing baffle plates in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle

2. a tubular device fitted to the muzzle of a firearm to deaden the report

3. a person or thing that silences

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Etymology

Origin of silencer

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

Example Sentences

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 • Dec. 5, 2023

The staff then looked at the form and informed Card that he was not eligible to purchase the silencer because of the answers he'd given on the questionnaire.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2023

Mr. Card, 40, went to pick up a silencer on Aug. 5 from Coastal Defense Firearms in the neighboring town of Auburn, said Rick LaChapelle, the gun shop owner.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2023

Federal investigators began tracking Ho in May, when they learned a shipment of silencer components had been sent to his home, according to court documents.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2023

One’s got a silencer, and the guys damn near drool over it.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas