What does hush mean?
“Hush” is a word for silence, especially silence that is intentional, sudden, or requested. As a noun, it can describe a quiet atmosphere, as in “a hush fell over the room,” or a deliberate effort to suppress information. It often carries a slightly dramatic or literary tone, suggesting more than an ordinary absence of noise. As a verb, “hush” means to quiet someone or something, or to keep information from becoming public. The expression “hush money” refers to payment made to secure someone’s silence, while “hush up” means to prevent a person from speaking. The word is useful because it captures both the public atmosphere of silence and the moral or practical pressure involved in keeping a secret. It is especially common in formal writing, journalism, literature, and expressions concerning scandals, negotiations, and confidential information.
A period of silence or quiet, especially one that is sudden, deliberate, or imposed.
"There was an uneasy hush in the courtroom."
Often literary or dramatic, and frequently associated with secrecy or tension.
To make or become quiet, or to prevent someone from speaking publicly.
"The director asked reporters to hush until the announcement was finished."
The command form “Hush!” is especially common in formal or theatrical contexts.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; singular usage is normally preferred.
"The speaker demanded a hush from the crowd."
A hush may describe silence, but it can also describe the powerful demand that someone keep a secret.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hush come from?
The word “hush” developed in Middle English and is generally understood to be imitative, representing the sudden reduction of sound. Its older verb uses reflect this association with quieting or silencing. The form has remained stable in the language and is now associated especially with commands, dramatic descriptions of silence, and the secrecy implied by expressions such as “hush money.”
Related word forms
How hush is actually used
The noun is relatively formal and can suggest either peaceful quiet or secrecy. The verb is commonly used in the expression “hush up,” especially in British English; in American English, “hush” is also common in commands such as “Hush!”