moment of silence

noun2

1. •
   A period of silence for quiet meditation, prayer or reflection.

   • The pastor always opened his Sunday service with a moment of silence.
2. •
   A period of silence conducted to honor or provide a gesture of respect to a recently deceased person, as part of the mourning process. May also be conducted following a tragic event or on the anniversary thereof.

   • The principal requested a moment of silence in memory of the two girls who died in a car accident over the weekend.