Shushing

Shushing refers to the act of requesting silence, often by raising a finger to the lips or making a specific sound like "shh." It is commonly used to quiet people in settings such as libraries, theaters, or meetings to maintain a peaceful environment. The gesture signals a desire to reduce noise and promote focus or respect for others' need for silence. While simple, shushing is a widely understood non-verbal communication that helps manage noise levels effectively in shared spaces.