harrumph

[ huh-ruhmf ]

verb (used without object)

1. to clear the throat audibly in a self-important manner:

   The professor harrumphed good-naturedly.

2. to express oneself gruffly.

harrumph

/ həˈrʌmf /

verb

1. intr to clear or make the noise of clearing the throat

Word History and Origins

Origin of harrumph¹

First recorded in 1935–40; imitative

Example Sentences

This inverted morality creates maniacs whose antics are referenced with a smile and a wink, not a harrumph.

From The Daily Beast