silent treatment

noun

1. an act or instance of maintaining silence or aloofness toward another person, especially as a means of indicating disapproval or rejection.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silent treatment¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

He gave her the silent treatment, mostly ignoring her except to spit out a hurtful, “I don’t love you,” one night at bedtime.

From Washington Post