Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

give-someone-the-silent-treatment

idiom

ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ðə ˈsaɪlənt ˈtritmənt

Definition

To intentionally ignore someone or stop communicating with them as a way of expressing anger or displeasure.

Examples

After their argument, she decided to give him the silent treatment for a week.
He felt hurt when his friends gave him the silent treatment after he canceled their plans.

Meaning

This phrase often indicates a form of social punishment where one person deliberately avoids engaging with another, typically as a response to a disagreement or unresolved conflict.