#speechlessness

• Speechlessness — A state of temporary or permanent muteness; a sudden inability to speak or utter sounds, caused by a physical condition, a strong emotional shock, fear, or profound astonishment. Figuratively, it represents a deep, oppressive, and generalized silence settling over a group of people or an environment.
• Sudden silence — The result of the action of falling silent; a sudden and unexpected silence settling within a group of people or an environment following a shock, surprise, or fright. In a local sense, it can also denote a mild or temporary form of aphasia or muteness caused by a psychological trauma.