Silencer (noun)

1. A device that is attached to the end of a gun to reduce the amount of noise and recoil produced when the gun is fired.
2. A person or thing that silences.

Origin:

Late 16th century, from latin silentium 'stillness, silence,' from silere 'be still'.

Examples:

1. He fitted a silencer to his rifle to avoid detection.
2. The music was turned down to act as a silencer.
3. The government is taking steps to crack down on the illegal trade in silencers.
4. The new muffler works as a silencer on the car's exhaust system.
5. He was known to be a powerful silencer in the industry, suppressing any rumors about the company.