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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on. Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for silent treatment

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20treatment. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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