silent treatment

noun

: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by resort to silence especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval

Examples of silent treatment in a Sentence

ever since our run-in at the party she's been giving me the silent treatment
Recent Examples on the Web No spanking, humiliation, silent treatment, name calling, withholding of love and affection, or nonsensical punishments and consequences. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 After her husband retired, the disengagement, silent treatment and lack of support that characterized the relationship worsened. Abby Ellin, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 My partner is not physically abusive but checks a lot of other boxes: yelling, vicious anger, name-calling, silent treatments. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Instead, some of us learn to resort to cattiness, silent treatments, passive aggression, and the 'mean-girl' behaviours thought to be inherent to being female. Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for silent treatment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silent treatment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silent treatment was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near silent treatment

Cite this Entry

“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20treatment. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

silent treatment

noun
: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by being silent especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval
gave him the silent treatment after their breakup
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