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consent

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age of consent

The age at which a person is legally able to give consent, as to sexual relations, marriage, or a binding contract. Some people advocate lowering the age of consent, but some worry it will cause an increase in promiscuity among young people.

See also: age, consent, of

silence means consent

If you do not voice your objection to something, then it is assumed that you support it. A: "Why did you think I would agree to punishing a student so harshly?" B: "Well, you didn't say anything when we originally discussed this plan! Silence means consent." Make sure to speak up when you disagree with something, because, for many people, silence means consent.

See also: consent, mean, silence

consent to something

to agree to permit something to happen. I will not consent to your marriage. There is no need for you to consent to anything.

See also: consent

Silence gives consent.

Prov. If you do not object to what someone says or does, you can be assumed to agree with or condone it. Jill: What did Fred say when you told him we were thinking about leaving the office early? Jane: He didn't say anything. Jill: Then he must not mind if we go. Silence gives consent.

See also: consent, give, silence