English

Verb

to break the silence ‎(third-person singular simple present breaks the silence, present participle breaking the silence, simple past broke the silence, past participle broken the silence)

1. To start talking in a conversation after a period where nobody speaks.

   Both men waited for the captain to make a decision. Finally, Dean broke the silence. "We need to know what to do, Captain! Before we sink!

2. To state an opinion on a subject that has been taboo for a period of time.
   • 2012 June 19, Julian Baggini, “Why it's not the Dalai Lama's job to break the silence on Tibet”, in The Guardian:

     The Free Tibet campaign is calling on world leaders to break the silence, claiming they "continue to refrain from publicly speaking out for Tibet".